Population Health Physical Therapy--Walk with a Doc in an Underserved Community with Academic, Housing Sector, and Health Department Partners: A Case Report.

Abstract

Individuals living in underserved communities often have difficulty being physically active, and there is limited research on how allied health professionals can change this. This study aimed to determine if an intersectoral academic-community partnership could implement a Walk With a Doc (WWAD) program in an underserved community. A city Housing Authority, Health Department, and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) academic program conducted a WWAD program in a housing unit in a severely disadvantaged neighborhood. In an 8-week pilot, nine participants walked 46.7 km over 50 attendances. A commitment to regular communication between partners and participants was key to the success of the WWAD intervention, which continues to this day. A WWAD program was successfully implemented, and a strong working relationship focused on the health and wellness of an underserved population was created through this academic-community partnership. An intersectoral partnership can successfully implement a WWAD program in an underserved community. The success of this partnership highlights an opportunity for health science professionals to help underserved communities be more physically active.