Development of STEPPT

The pilot STEPPT intervention, which includes (1) education of providers and staff on disparities in referrals and the benefits of physical therapy for spine pain, (2) modifications to the EHR to automate physical therapy referral and delivery of culturally tailored patient education materials related to the physical therapy referral, and (3) enhanced patient health navigation to educate patients on physical therapy and address barriers to attending physical therapy for Hispanic patients with spine pain. Patient education materials were developed using evidence-based guidelines and were culturally and linguistically adapted for Hispanic patients with spine pain.

Usual care (3-month baseline) includes no provider education, physician-initiated referrals and delivery of standard educational materials, and scheduling for physical therapy by the clinic referrals specialists using standard processes.