AUTHOR=Cross Austin G. , Zunnu Rain Usmaan , Makhni Eric C. , Schnettler Emily N. , Jayakumar Prakash , Berry Sameer , Vandenboom Jeff , Keteyian Courtland , Day Russell , Verhagen Daniel , Schumacher Michael , Kucksdorf Joseph , Muma Bruce 

TITLE=Clinical and engagement efficacy of a virtual musculoskeletal integrated practice unit in health system employees: aggregate and comparative results from two employers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1541508

DOI=10.3389/fresc.2025.1541508

ISSN=2673-6861

ABSTRACT=IntroductionIntegrated Practice Units are whole-person models of care designed to deliver a comprehensive range of treatment strategies centered around a patient's preferences, values, and needs. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a virtual IPU (V-IPU) for employees of two large health systems experiencing back, neck or joint pain. Specifically, we evaluated improvements in pain interference, physical health, and user satisfaction/experience.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study with a total of 167 employees from two health systems who were recruited through e-mail outreach and completed a brief health assessment, including patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for physical, emotional, and pain health. Upon sign-up, employees began a 12-week multidisciplinary program consisting of musculoskeletal (MSK) physician telehealth treatment and oversight, supervised one-to-one physical therapy, registered dietitian counseling, health coaching, and platform to in-person specialty services when clinically appropriate. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores for physical health, mental health, and pain interference were assessed at intake, 6-weeks, and 12-weeks after program initiation. Net promoter score (NPS) was measured to evaluate participant experience and satisfaction with the program.ResultsThe average age was 50.56 years, and a large majority of responders were female (89.2%). There were clinically meaningful improvements for PROMIS measures of physical health, mental health and pain interference (5.6, 4.4 and 6.9 points, respectively). The Net Promoter Score was 85 for engaged individuals. Additionally, the V-IPU was successful in connecting employees to additional surgical-avoiding services offered by the employer and which complemented the digital participation of the V-IPU.ConclusionThe V-IPU improves health outcomes and care coordination for health system employees. These findings support the use of virtual multidisciplinary models to enhance access and outcomes in employer-based health initiatives.