Does Patient Race Affect Physical Therapy Treatment Recommendations?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Racial disparities in medical treatment for arthritis are documented.
• Physical therapy treatment disparities for arthritis patients require further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the association between patient race and physical therapy treatment recommendations for arthritis.
• Assess potential racial bias in physical therapy care planning.

Main Methods:

• Online survey administered to physical therapists and assistants in Southern California.
• Case vignette with randomly assigned Black or White patient photographs used.
• Comparison of treatment recommendations (visit frequency, home exercise program, referrals) based on patient race.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in treatment frequency or referrals based on patient race.
• Participants viewing the Black patient were more likely to recommend fewer home exercise program (HEP) exercises (p=0.03).
• Most participants (96.1%) reported race did not impact their recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Patient race generally did not impact physical therapy treatment planning recommendations.
• Lower exercise prescription for the Black patient suggests a potential disparity needing further investigation.