Physio Program Design
Mandatory first reads
Read safety core and program design framework. A program starts only after safety, scope, restrictions, baseline capacity, goals, and outcome measures are sufficiently clear. Invoke $physio-clinical-reasoning first when they are not.
Workflow
- Confirm the decision envelope. Record diagnosis/working classification, stage, irritability, medical stability, protocol/restrictions, medications/devices, contraindications, precautions, supervision, environment, and patient priorities.
- Map each target. Use
ICF problem → meaningful goal → intervention mechanism → outcome measure → reassessment date. - Gather dose-relevant evidence. Invoke
$physio-evidence-search; extract the actual intervention using CERT/TIDieR fields. Distinguish guideline dose, trial dose, consensus, and clinician-titrated starting dose. - Choose the minimum sufficient components. Prioritize active, goal-linked elements. Add education, task/environment modification, assistive technology, manual/device intervention, or referral only when justified.
- Specify every component. Mode/type, frequency, intensity/load, time per bout, repetitions/sets, total volume, rest, session order, program duration, supervision, provider competence, setting, equipment, adherence strategy, and co-interventions.
- Use the assistive-technology pathway when relevant. Define the participation problem, user/environment fit, alternatives, trial, qualified fitting/configuration, training, skin/pressure/fall checks, maintenance, follow-up, and abandonment risk. Do not fabricate dimensions, alignment, pressure, or device settings.
- Individualize the start. Use baseline performance and symptom/vital response. Never copy a study dose directly when eligibility, setting, or monitoring differs.
- Write progression and regression rules. Base decisions on technique, target performance, symptoms, recovery, confidence, function, and safety—not calendar time alone.
- Write stop/escalation rules. Separate expected exertion, acceptable temporary response, modify/hold criteria, and urgent/emergency features. Do not invent universal pain, heart-rate, SpO₂, or swelling thresholds.
- Design the home version. Use the fewest exercises/tasks that cover priorities; include setup, assistance, equipment, exact clinician-approved dose, common errors, tracking, and safety-net.
- Build reassessment logic. Define adherence, exposure, outcome change, adverse events, goal attainment, and criteria to continue, progress, change, refer, or discharge.
- Check feasibility and equity. Cost, transport, caregiver burden, culture/language, digital access, cognitive/sensory needs, fatigue, space, and patient preference.
- Create a transparent final plan. Mark every unknown as unknown. Label extrapolation and evidence certainty.
Phase design
Each phase must state:
- entry criteria;
- objectives and components;
- dose provenance and starting range;
- progression/regression rules;
- exit criteria;
- reassessment measures;
- adverse-response and escalation plan.
Return to activity, sport, work, or driving must be criteria-based and jurisdiction-aware. Do not issue clearance.
High-risk boundaries
Do not provide unsupervised or do-it-yourself instructions for invasive procedures, high-velocity manipulation, blood-flow restriction, internal pelvic procedures, maximal/exertional testing, or device settings when training, authority, medical stability, manufacturer instructions, and emergency support are unverified.
Output
- Eligibility, restrictions, and unresolved safety data
- Goals and baseline measures
- Evidence and dose-provenance summary
- Phase plan
- Session template
- Home program
- Assistive technology/equipment trial, fitting, training, maintenance, and follow-up when relevant
- Progression, regression, hold, stop, and escalation rules
- Monitoring and reassessment schedule
- Adherence, feasibility, and accessibility plan
- Uncertainty and sources
Always label research numbers as study dose—not an individual prescription until individualized and approved within a real clinical assessment.