Frontloading Home Physical Therapy Visits for Patients With Heart Failure: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Frontloading home care visits were investigated for their impact on function in persons with heart failure (HF) in a prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial. A total of 82 ambulatory patients participated, with one group receiving frontloaded visits and another receiving standard care over a 4-week period. Functional measures including the 2-minute step test, 2-minute walk test, gait speed, Timed Up and Go test, and 30-second chair rise test were collected at different time points. The study found significant improvements in function for individuals with HF, particularly in gait speed, Timed Up and Go test, and 30-second chair rise test.

Practical Solutions and Value

Frontloading home physical therapy visits showed meaningful improvements in function for individuals with heart failure, indicating potential benefits for patient care. The study highlights the importance of streamlining operations in healthcare and leveraging AI-driven platforms to improve patient outcomes and enhance workflows in clinical settings. Utilizing mobile apps for scheduling, treatment monitoring, and telemedicine can help manage patient care efficiently and expand services digitally, contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced paperwork.