Embedded emergency department physical therapy for adults with recent low back pain
A Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of Embedded Emergency Department Physical Therapy
This project tests placing a physical therapist directly in the emergency department to see if it improves care for adults who come in with recent low back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07224945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a multi-site, randomized feasibility trial that compares an embedded ED physical therapist model to usual care at two hospital emergency departments. Each site will be randomized 1:1, with 9 months of active intervention followed by 12 months of longitudinal data collection to capture outcomes. The trial focuses on feasibility metrics such as ability to enroll participants, deliver the intervention with fidelity, and collect follow-up data. A third hospital will contribute baseline electronic health record data to inform planning for a future full-scale trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) who present to a participating ED with a current episode of low back pain ≤30 days, who present between 8am and 8pm, speak English or Spanish, can consent, and do not have red-flag findings or known pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients with red-flag symptoms, known pregnancy, inability to consent, currently in police custody, chronic low back pain longer than 30 days, or those presenting outside participating sites or study hours are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get faster, guideline-based physical therapy in the ED that may reduce pain, limit unnecessary imaging or opioid use, and speed recovery.
How similar studies have performed: A prior single-center randomized trial has tested this embedded ED physical therapy approach, but multi-site feasibility evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Emergency Department (ED) visit with primary diagnosis related to low back pain * ED visit occurring at an ED site participating in randomization (Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Utah Hospital) * ED visit check-in time during the hours of 8am-8pm * Current episode of low back pain less than or equal to 30 days, defined as pain between the 12th rib and buttocks * Age greater than or equal to 18 years; there is no age maximum * English or Spanish-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * "Red flag" symptoms indicating a life or limb-threatening process * Currently in police custody * Unable to consent * Known pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Howard Kim, MD, MS
- Email: howard.kim@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-926-0591
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.