A study evaluated the effectiveness of a virtual Integrated Practice Unit (V-IPU) for employees at two large health systems experiencing back, neck, or joint pain. The prospective cohort study involved 167 participants who underwent a 12-week multidisciplinary program, which included telehealth consultations with musculoskeletal physicians, physical therapy, dietitian counseling, and health coaching. Participants completed health assessments measuring physical, emotional, and pain health at the start, and at six and twelve weeks.

Results showed significant improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores for physical health, mental health, and pain interference, with increases of 5.6, 4.4, and 6.9 points, respectively. The Net Promoter Score, which gauges participant satisfaction, was 85, indicating high approval of the program. The V-IPU also effectively connected employees to additional services that could help avoid surgery.

These findings demonstrate that the V-IPU enhances health outcomes and coordination of care for employees, suggesting that virtual multidisciplinary models can improve access and results in employer-based health programs.