Maximizing outcomes of an annual physical therapy visit: use of Brief Action Planning for behavioral change

An annual visit with a physical therapist can identify individuals experiencing preclinical mobility limitations or small declines in function. Based on the results of the visit, interventions can be recommended to improve mobility and activity levels with guidance on how to maintain health through the aging process. The American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Geriatrics has created an Annual Mobility Assessment that includes self-reported issues with mobility, the Physical Activity Vital Sign, falls risk, and six physical performance measures. Though the Annual Mobility Assessment provides a useful, detailed framework for assessment and physical therapy management, it does not provide guidance on how to share these results or encourage positive health behavior change. Brief Action Planning (BAP) is a pragmatic, evidence-informed, and versatile Motivational Interviewing-consistent skill set designed to support patient self-management and facilitate health behavior change for patients who are ready, contemplating change, or nearly ready for change once they understand their health issues. BAP provides a pragmatic, algorithmic structure that can be readily learned and used by physical therapists to encourage behavioral change tailored to the results of the Annual Mobility Assessment. The purpose of this professional theoretical article is to discuss the integration of BAP into an annual physical therapy visit. The theoretical background of BAP will be discussed along with discussion of its possible use with the Annual Mobility Assessment. Two case studies, implications strategies, opportunities for further training, and future research about annual visits and behavioral change will also be presented.