Gait Analysis: Time-Saving Tips For Better Results

Have you ever spent too much time with a patient? I certainly have. There are so many PTs and running experts that spend an hour with a single patient doing a gait analysis. I remember my very first running gait analysis probably took 2 hours. Unfortunately, for many of us spending that much time with one patient is not sustainable. Not only does a lengthy gait analysis take our attention away from other patients but often insurance reimbursement for a gait analysis doesn’t cover the cost for our time. This results in many of us scheduling an hour long out of pocket (self-pay) visit for our gait analyses. This both provides ample time for a gait analysis and covers our overhead personnel costs. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The simple truth is there are many ways to reduce the time burden of a gait analysis without sacrificing quality of care. Here they are:

Streamline The Gait Analysis Operations

There are many operational components to a gait analysis. For running experts who have scheduled an hour or more for their gait analysis it’s tempting to handle each of these tasks personally. However, our time can be better spent performing the gait analysis and creating a plan of care for the runner to achieve their goals. For both new and experienced running experts it’s important for us to identify the operational components of our gait analysis to better understand how we can streamline them. Here is mine as an example. 

• Patient checks in for appointment and receive forms
• Forms are reviewed by PT
• Running data collection: running videos, cadence, running speed, functional testing, etc.
• Data is reviewed by PT
• PT performs Postural assessment
• PT reviews analysis data with patient and performs necessary objective measurements
• PT makes recommendations on how to address running gait deviations
• Patient learns corrective exercises and/or running cues
• Second video recording of patient running for comparison
• PT compares pre and post running analysis with patient
• PTs report of running gait analysis findings along with videos are sent to the patient 

Training Staff On Gait Analysis Data Collection 

To reduce your time burden during a gait analysis it is beneficial to create systems and processes. It is essential to offload some of the operational tasks to aides and/or office staff. If you don’t work with aides or assistants consider utilizing front office staff if appropriate. Here are the operational tasks I offload to aides and/or office staff.

• Patient checks in for appointment and receive forms
• Running data collection: running videos, cadence, running speed, functional testing, etc.
• Patient learns corrective exercises
• Second video recording of patient running for comparison
• PTs report of running gait analysis findings along with videos are sent to the patient

Of course it is essential to train your staff thoroughly to be able to perform these operational tasks. Personally, I have a running gait analysis assistant certification program where we provide special training for each staff member. The training includes observations of at least 3 runners, mentorship by a certified running gait analysis assistant and a practical assessment of all assistant duties. 

Time Is The Most Valuable Commodity

Many of us wish we had an extra hour in the day. Some of us just wish we had another 30 minutes. Streamlining your running gait analysis operations takes some upfront time and effort. In the short term, it’s easier to complete all operational tasks yourself. However, taking the time to train your staff will give you more time for your runners, improve your clinical outcomes and prevent burnout.

Resources To Help You Save Time

Learning how to provide a time efficient gait analysis is a daunting task. Additionally, training staff to maximize your time with each runner can be frustrating if you don’t know where to start. If you are interested in learning more about providing a time effective running gait analysis check out our continuing education course “The Essentials of Running Gait Analysis”. In this course you will learn how to analyze running gait and become a running expert, filling your practice with runners. If you have questions about this content or the course feel free to reach out to us to discuss and we will personally respond to your questions. 
 

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