Screening for Yellow Flags in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: A Clinical Framework.

Background: Psychological factors influence or are associated with physical function, pain, and health care costs among individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions. Recent clinical practice guidelines recommend screening for psychological factors (also referred to as "yellow flags") in physical therapy practice to help understand prognosis and inform shared decision making for treatment.

Clinical Question: Despite the urgings of clinical practice guidelines and evidence of the influence of psychological factors on clinical outcomes, screening for yellow flags is uncommon in clinical practice.