Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)

What are Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are based on a systematic review of the evidence and published by APTA sections, or by other health care associations, organizations, and societies, not by individuals. Guidelines are provided to assist in clinical decision making, not to take the place of clinician judgment. 

 

 Development of guidelines process through APTA

The APTA assists section and academy development of clinical practice guidelines through a program that provides support and funding, including an annual CPG workshop.  APTA supports the development of CPGs to reduce unwarranted variation in care and improve the value of care. 

Proposals for a CPG are due to APTA in October and July of every year. Selected proposals are reviewed and then selected ~ 2 months later. Funding(from the APTA) is $9,000 per proposal. For more information regarding proposals contact APTA

CPGs in development by APTA

 

What clinical practice guidelines have also been written by members of the APTA Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy? 

Currently published guidelines through Academy:
2014 publication of Oxygen:
Supplemental Oxygen Utilization During Physical Therapy Interventions
 
2016 version of VTE guidelines
Role of Physical Therapists in the Management of Individuals at Risk for or Diagnosed With Venous Thromboembolism: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline
 
Updated VTE (2022 publication)
The Role of Physical Therapists in the Management of Individuals at Risk for or Diagnosed with Venous Thromboembolism
 
2020 publication of Heart Failure Guidelines:
Physical Therapist Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Individuals With Heart Failure

Which CPGs are in progress?

CPGs in process:

  • CPG for Rehabilitation of Patients following Post-Acute Cardiovascular Events or Surgeries in the Home Setting
    • GDG Leaders: Shweta Gore & Sherry Pinkstaff
    • GDG Members: Pamela Bartlo, Claire Child, Victoria Cong, Kathleen McEwen, & Cecilia Wu
    • Start Date: August 26 2019
    • Targeted End Date: August 26 2022
    • Status Update: Currently Appraising the Literature
    • Scheduled for Completion: Feb 1 2026
    • Anticipated Publication Date: Dec 31 2026
  • CPG for Obstructive Lung Pathologies
    • GDG Leaders: Kaelee Brockway & Ahmed Shakeel
    • GDG Members: None
    • Start Date: October 5 2025
    • Targeted End Date: October 5 2025
    • Status Update: Complete Full Text Review
    • Scheduled for Completion: May 2026
    • Anticipated Publication Date: Dec 2026
  • CPG for Heart Failure: Update
    • GDG Leaders: Ashley Poole & Michael Shoemaker
    • GDG Members: Alvaro Gurovich, Kristin Lefebvre, John Heick, Konrad Dias, Morgan Johanson, Steph Hendron
    • Start Date: December 15 2023
    • Status Update: Create Key Action Statements
    • Scheduled for Completion: December 15 2023
    • Anticipated Publication Date: Dec 2026
  • Guideline for Exercise Testing in Physical Activity
    • GDG Leaders: Lawrence P. Cahalin
    • GDG Members: Sandra A. Billinger, Sherry Pinkstaff, Marlon L. Wong
    • Start Date:  2022
    • Targeted End Date: 2025
    • Status Update: TBA
    • Scheduled for completion: Sept 2026
    • Anticipated Publication Date: TBA
  • Guideline for Supplemental Oxygen
    • GDG Leaders: Ellen Hillegass
    • GDG Members: Ann Fick, Ashley Parish, Naomi Bauer
    • Status Update: Journal Review
    • Scheduled for completion: December 2025
    • Anticipated Publication Date: December 2025

Do you have an idea for a Clinical Practice Guideline? Or Position Paper?  Press this button:

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