Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment.
Physical therapists (PTs) serve as physician extenders performing direct access evaluations for musculoskeletal conditions. The previous war-time mission of PTs was limited to level III medical care. Recently PTs began providing care at levels I/II with brigade combat teams (BCTs).


OBJECTIVE
Determine the sentiment of battlefield providers at levels I/II regarding the operational impact of PTs.


METHODS
Surveys were provided to BCT medical providers.


RESULTS
There were 107 responses (response rate of 51%). According to the responses, PTs made a significant impact on overall mission accomplishment (97%) and patient prognosis (83%) and were considered local experts in musculoskeletal pathology (92%), including the ordering of radiographs (79%). Their presence was thought to significantly decrease medical evacuations within theater (68%) and out of theater (73%).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a positive sentiment toward PTs in the BCT, suggesting they are highly valued. Future studies need to clarify further operational, medical, and fiscal implications.
Rhon
Daniel I
DI
Department of Physical Medicine-Physical Therapy, Madigan Army Medical Center, Bldg. 9040, Fitzimmons Drive, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
Gill
Norman
N
Teyhen
Deydre
D
Scherer
Matthew
M
Goffar
Steve
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000458:organization & administration; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012938:Social Perception; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce; D014947:Wounds and Injuries