Medical history profile: orthopaedic physical therapy outpatients

The purpose of this study was to compile a medical history profile of an orthopaedic physical therapy outpatient population. Currently, there is no literature describing the medical history of this population. Seven-hundred and five patients, aged 18-84 years, completed a self-administrated questionnaire at the time of their physical therapy evaluation. Ten private practice clinics in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area participated in the data collection. The patient information collected included: 1) current and past medical history; 2) family medical history; 3) caffeine and alcohol intake; 4) cigarette use; and 5) drug use including over-the-counter, prescriptive, and/or drugs of abuse. Medical history information collected during the initial examination could significantly impact the physical therapy evaluation process and interpretation of evaluation findings. In addition, aspects of the patient's medical history may affect the tolerance and outcome of seemingly appropriate treatment intervention. The data collected should assist the clinician in providing optimal patient care, private practices in developing in-service programs for their staff, and physical therapy schools in evaluating course content related to this topic.