Effectiveness of early Physical Therapy interventions in the hospital setting to decrease length of stay.

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Effectiveness of early Physical Therapy interventions in the hospital setting to decrease length of stay.
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Early consult for Physical Therapy services versus Later consult for Physical Therapy services
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Adults and Older adults with medical complexities
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Decreased costs
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: Underutilization of physical therapy services in the acute care setting

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Elderly
Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: It decreases hospital costs
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): Physicians do not seem to understand the benefits of physical therapy that affect length of stay.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: Most physicians are not aware of what physical therapy can achieve for their patients in the hospital setting.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: Develop a clinical decision-making guideline.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: 1-5 years
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): Develop a clinical decision-making guideline.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program