Decision Algorithm for Vital Sign Assessment in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting

Part of paid clinical trials in Youngstown, Ohio.

Sponsor
Youngstown State University
Study ID
NCT07258030
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

  • Healthy

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • E-Delphi — OTHER
    Description: Round 1: Participants provide open-ended responses identifying signs, symptoms, and factors influencing decisions to assess or not assess vital signs. Round 2: Participants rank the importance of these factors using a 5-point Likert scale and may suggest additional items. Round 3: Participants review aggregated results and finalize consensus on criteria for inclusion in a decision algorithm. Mode of Delivery: Online survey via Qualtrics. Duration: Each round will remain open for 3 weeks, with reminder emails sent during weeks 1 and 2.

Study Details

Brief Summary The goal of this observational study is to develop consensus-based criteria for when vital sign assessment (VSA) should be performed in outpatient physical therapy settings. The primary purpose is to identify clinical signs, symptoms, and other factors that inform decision-making for VSA to improve patient safety and guide treatment progression. Main Questions: 1. Which clinical characteristics indicate that vital signs should be assessed during outpatient physical therapy? 2. Which clinical characteristics indicate that vital signs do not need to be assessed? Study Design: This study uses a three-round electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) process to achieve expert consensus. Comparison: Researchers will compare responses across rounds to determine agreement and stability of criteria for inclusion in a decision algorithm. Participants: Licensed physical therapists with ≥5 years of clinical experience in outpatient settings. Procedures: Participants will: Complete three rounds of online surveys via Qualtrics. Round 1: Suggest signs, symptoms, and factors for assessing or not assessing vitals. Round 2: Rank importance of these factors on a 5-point Likert scale and suggest additional items. Round 3: Review aggregated results and finalize consensus on criteria.

Key Dates

Start date
Nov 21, 2025
Status verified
Nov 2025
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2026
Completion
Apr 30, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
100 participants (estimated)

Arms

  • Arm: Physical Therapists in an Outpatient Setting
    Expert Panel Cohort: Participants will be licensed physical therapists who meet the following inclusion criteria: 1. Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in an outpatient physical therapy setting. 2. Proficient in English (reading and writing). 3. Willing to provide informed consent and complete all survey rounds.

Primary Outcome Measure

Consensus on Criteria for Vital Sign Assessment [ Time Frame: Approximately 9 weeks after initiation of Round 1 (end of Round 3). ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstownOhio44555
Edmund Ickert, PhD
[email protected]
330-941-1326
Rachel Ward, PT
[email protected]

Find similar trials in Youngstown, OH

By research site
Youngstown State University· Youngstown, OH

Related Studies