ED PT Practice: Demonstrating Value and Defining the Role of the ED PT

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Video Runtime: 60 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 23 Minutes

This course examines how physical therapists can clearly define and demonstrate their value in the emergency department (ED) setting. As healthcare systems continue to prioritize efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, ED physical therapy offers unique contributions to both clinical outcomes and operational goals. Participants will learn to interpret evidence-based metrics, align PT services with system-level priorities, and communicate the role of ED PT to stakeholders effectively. Designed for physical therapists working in or exploring roles in hospital-based EDs, urgent care, or related acute environments, this course equips clinicians with the tools to justify service integration and advocate for sustainable practice models.

Learning Objectives

Interpret clinical and operational outcomes that support the role of PT in the emergency department
Categorize common outcomes used to demonstrate the value of ED PT in improving care quality and efficiency
Construct a case for ED PT implementation using data, narrative, and system priorities

Course Series
This course is part of a six part series on Emergency Department PT practice:

Meet your instructor

A woman with long wavy brown hair in a gray top stands against a white background, representing medbridge digital healthcare.

Rebekah Griffith

Dr. Rebekah Griffith specializes in emergency department care. Dr. Griffith believes physical therapist practice in the emergency department is a critical way to move upstream in healthcare, supporting patients during their most critical moments. Dr. Griffith has been an invited lecturer, a regular presenter, a podcast guest,…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Making the Case: Why ED PT Matters

This chapter explores the clinical and human impact of emergency department physical therapy, including improvements in patient outcomes, satisfaction, and care experiences. By highlighting both patient and provider perspectives, participants will learn how ED PT enhances the quality of care and expands treatment options. The content also emphasizes the strategic importance of aligning PT roles with health system needs to build compelling cases for implementation.

2. Making the Case: What Is the Cost?

Focusing on cost-related outcomes, this chapter details how ED PT contributes to reduced hospital admissions, imaging, opioid use, and avoidable readmissions. Clinicians will examine real-world data and case examples to understand how early PT access supports safer, more efficient care. The discussion includes strategies to frame these benefits in terms of financial impact and operational value, strengthening advocacy for PT integration within emergency services.

More courses in this series

ED PT Practice: Foundations for Emergency Department Care

Rebekah Griffith