Implementing a Dutch Physical Therapy Intervention Into a U.S. Health System: Selecting Strategies Using...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Coach2Move, a person-centered physical therapy intervention, has proven effective in modifying physical activity behaviors in older adults.
• This manuscript details the development of an implementation plan for Coach2Move within the U.S. healthcare system and population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically develop an implementation plan for the Coach2Move intervention in a U.S. context.
• To adapt a successful Dutch physical therapy program for a new population and healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

• Implementation Mapping, a structured planning process, was employed.
• An implementation planning team comprising researchers, patients, and clinicians was established.
• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided the contextual analysis.

Main Results:

• Key stakeholders, including clinic managers and physical therapists, were identified as adopters and implementers.
• Performance objectives and behavioral determinants were mapped, leading to tailored implementation strategies.
• Selected strategies included educational meetings, peer assessment, EHR modifications, and prompts.

Conclusions:

• Implementation Mapping facilitated a systematic process for identifying and tailoring strategies to the U.S. context.
• The developed plan linked behavioral determinants and performance objectives for effective intervention delivery.
• The planning process proved acceptable to diverse stakeholders and enhanced communication.