While the use of predictive analytics in physical therapy is still in its infancy, early adopters see great potential for it to transform the profession and society

Like most physical therapists (PTs), Stephen Hunter, PT, DPT, OCS, welcomes any edge he can get if it ultimately means he can provide better care. So when his smartphone buzzes as he's taking a patient's history, he doesn't offer his client an apology—he pulls it from his pocket and takes a look.

On the screen, explains Hunter, who is director at Intermountain Physical Therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah, he'll typically find that the front desk has just sent him an email. "I'll open it up it and read the message. Depending on the patient, it will say something like, 'Mrs Jones has a 67% likelihood of success'" in achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the Oswestry Disability Index.