In a four-year/four-phase process, the purposes were to 1) assess the need for and potential use of a specialized, quick and effective physical therapy mental health screening tool, 2) determine the questions to be included, 3) have those questions validated by licensed psychologists, and 4) validate the tool for clinical use by licensed physical therapists and their patients.
In Phase I, a needs and potential use assessment was completed by Physical Therapists.
In Phase II, a screening tool was created with items covering 7 of the most commonly seen mental health disorders including depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder.
In Phase III, the screening tool was sent to licensed psychologists for validation and feedback.
In Phase IV, the screening tool was sent to licensed Physical Therapists for validation and feedback with their patients.
In Phase I, a majority of Physical Therapists noted that such a screening tool would be valuable.
In Phase II, a screening tool was created with items covering 7 of the most commonly seen mental health disorders including depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder.
In Phase III, licensed Psychologists suggested re-wording for clarity and appropriateness to the 7 categories.
In Phase IV, licensed Physical Therapists provided validation and feedback. This resulted in additional support for the tool, it’s language and future use.
The multiple phases of this research indicates the need for, support for, and use of such a Physical Therapy mental health screening tool, and it supports the desire of Physical Therapists to be able to identify potential mental health risk factors that could be obstacles to patient recovery.
Mental health challenges have been identified in the literature as barriers to health care success, and Physical Therapy is a profession that can have a positive impact on mental health conditions. Being able to screen for mental health risk factors will better inform physical therapists on effective patient interaction, education and management of care. The potential to identify resources outside of Physical Therapy that may be needed to assist the patient to meeting their rehabilitation goals also exists, as Physical Therapists can ask for consultation or patient referral to a mental health professional based on the outcome of the screening tool.
The tool and its scoring will be illustrated during the poster presentation, and attendees will have the opportunity to scan a QR code to download the screening tool and scoring information.
Screening
Treatment Plans
