Section 6: Risk versus benefit analysis: Difference between revisions

mNo edit summary
mNo edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
= Framework for evaluating risk =
= Framework for evaluating risk =
<div>The risk associated with OMT intervention for musculoskeletal cervical spine disorders should be considered within a clinical reasoning framework. That is, the risk, albeit likely extremely low in general and in comparison to some other conservative treatments (Rivett 2004), may vary somewhat depending on the patient’s individual clinical presentation, and in particular in the presence of risk factors previously discussed (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2). It is therefore the responsibility of the physical therapist to recognise and consider whether the risk for a particular patient is increased, and to do whatever is reasonable to minimise any risk associated with OMT intervention.</div>
<div>The risk associated with OMT intervention for musculoskeletal cervical spine disorders should be considered within a clinical reasoning framework. That is, the risk, albeit likely extremely low in general and in comparison to some other conservative treatments (Rivett 2004), may vary somewhat depending on the patient’s individual clinical presentation, and in particular in the presence of risk factors previously discussed (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2). It is therefore the responsibility of the physical therapist to recognise and consider whether the risk for a particular patient is increased, and to do whatever is reasonable to minimise any risk associated with OMT intervention.</div>
==== Risk versus benefit analysis: ====
==== Risk versus benefit analysis: ====
<div>Data and evidence surrounding the clinical concern of this framework are incomplete and often contradictory. It is important to appreciate that an absolute diagnosis cannot be made by the physical therapist. The physical therapist must accept that the clinical decision is made in the absence of certainty and a decision based on a balance of probabilities is the aim of assessment. Although some presentations absolutely contraindicate OMT intervention, others suggest risk factors for potential adverse events and may co-exist with treatable musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is the responsibility of the physical therapist to make the best decision regarding treatment in these situations using their clinical reasoning skills (Jones and Rivett, 2004; Kerry and Taylor, 2009).</div><div>The following model provides a simple framework for decision-making regarding risk versus benefit but should not be considered didactic:<br></div>
<div>Data and evidence surrounding the clinical concern of this framework are incomplete and often contradictory. It is important to appreciate that an absolute diagnosis cannot be made by the physical therapist. The physical therapist must accept that the clinical decision is made in the absence of certainty and a decision based on a balance of probabilities is the aim of assessment. Although some presentations absolutely contraindicate OMT intervention, others suggest risk factors for potential adverse events and may co-exist with treatable musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is the responsibility of the physical therapist to make the best decision regarding treatment in these situations using their clinical reasoning skills (Jones and Rivett, 2004; Kerry and Taylor, 2009).</div><div>The following model provides a simple framework for decision-making regarding risk versus benefit but should not be considered didactic:<br></div><div></div><div>Decision-making framework for analysing risk versus benefit</div>  
{| width="600" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="600" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Risk
! scope="col" | Risk  
! scope="col" | Benefit
! scope="col" | Benefit  
! scope="col" | Action
! scope="col" | Action
|-
|-
| High number/ severe nature of risk factors
| High number/ severe nature of risk factors  
| Low predicted benefit of manual therapy
| Low predicted benefit of manual therapy  
| Avoid treatment
| Avoid treatment
|-
|-
| Moderate number / moderate nature of risk factors
| Moderate number / moderate nature of risk factors  
| Moderate predicted benefit of manual therapy
| Moderate predicted benefit of manual therapy  
| Avoid or delay treatment / monitor and reassess
| Avoid or delay treatment / monitor and reassess
|-
|-
| Low number / low nature of risk factors
| Low number / low nature of risk factors  
| Low / moderate / high predicted benefit of manual therapy
| Low / moderate / high predicted benefit of manual therapy  
Treat with care / continual monitoring for change/new symptoms
Treat with care / continual monitoring for change/new symptoms  
 
|}
|}
<div><br></div>
<div><br></div>  
*[[Section 5: Physical examination|'''''Click to go back to Section 5: Physical examination''''']]  
*[[Section 5: Physical examination|'''''Click to go back to Section 5: Physical examination''''']]  
*[[Section 7: Flowchart of clinical reasoning|'''''Click to continue to Section 7:&nbsp;Flowchart of clinical reasoning''''']]<br>
*[[Section 7: Flowchart of clinical reasoning|'''''Click to continue to Section 7:&nbsp;Flowchart of clinical reasoning''''']]<br>

Revision as of 03:11, 21 December 2012

Framework for evaluating risk[edit | edit source]

The risk associated with OMT intervention for musculoskeletal cervical spine disorders should be considered within a clinical reasoning framework. That is, the risk, albeit likely extremely low in general and in comparison to some other conservative treatments (Rivett 2004), may vary somewhat depending on the patient’s individual clinical presentation, and in particular in the presence of risk factors previously discussed (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2). It is therefore the responsibility of the physical therapist to recognise and consider whether the risk for a particular patient is increased, and to do whatever is reasonable to minimise any risk associated with OMT intervention.

Risk versus benefit analysis:[edit | edit source]

Data and evidence surrounding the clinical concern of this framework are incomplete and often contradictory. It is important to appreciate that an absolute diagnosis cannot be made by the physical therapist. The physical therapist must accept that the clinical decision is made in the absence of certainty and a decision based on a balance of probabilities is the aim of assessment. Although some presentations absolutely contraindicate OMT intervention, others suggest risk factors for potential adverse events and may co-exist with treatable musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is the responsibility of the physical therapist to make the best decision regarding treatment in these situations using their clinical reasoning skills (Jones and Rivett, 2004; Kerry and Taylor, 2009).
The following model provides a simple framework for decision-making regarding risk versus benefit but should not be considered didactic:
Decision-making framework for analysing risk versus benefit
Risk Benefit Action
High number/ severe nature of risk factors Low predicted benefit of manual therapy Avoid treatment
Moderate number / moderate nature of risk factors Moderate predicted benefit of manual therapy Avoid or delay treatment / monitor and reassess
Low number / low nature of risk factors Low / moderate / high predicted benefit of manual therapy

Treat with care / continual monitoring for change/new symptoms