Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of the study was threefold: Firstly, to investigate the adherence to clinical practice guidelines for low back pain (LBP) among Danish physiotherapists with regard to three key domains: (a) activity, (b) work and (c) psychosocial risk factors. Secondly, to investigate whether adherence differed between physiotherapists working in private clinics (private physiotherapists) and physiotherapists working at public healthcare centres (public physiotherapists). Thirdly, to describe the physiotherapists' treatment modalities for patients with LBP.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted with 817 physiotherapists working in the Central Denmark Region. Adherence to the guideline domains was assessed using two vignettes. The difference in adherence between the groups was assessed using the Chi‐squared test. Treatment modalities were reported using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 234 physiotherapists responded, hereof 163 private physiotherapists and 71 public physiotherapists (response rate 29%). The proportions of physiotherapists managing the patients strictly in line with the guideline domains were 32% (activity), 16% (work) and 82% (psychosocial risk factors) for Vignette 1 and 6% (activity), 53% (work) and 60% (psychosocial risk factors) for Vignette 2. Public physiotherapists were more likely to manage patients strictly in line with guidelines for assessing the psychosocial risk factors compared to private physiotherapist (Vignette 1: 92% vs. 77% p = .030; Vignette 2:70% vs. 55% p = .035). Regarding the other two domains, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of adherence (p > .05). Concerning treatment modalities, the majority of physiotherapists instructed the patients in adopting an exercise program or informed the patients about the benign nature and prognosis of LBP.ConclusionOverall, the participating Danish physiotherapists strictly adhered to only one out of three key domains. This underlines the importance of bringing focus on implementing the current guidelines' recommendations in clinical practice.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is of great importance, as it is the world's leading cause of years lived with disability (Hoy et al, 2014; James et al, 2018)
To investigate whether adherence differed between physiotherapists working in private clinics and physiotherapists working at public healthcare centres
Public physiotherapists were more likely to manage patients strictly in line with guidelines for assessing the psychosocial risk factors compared to private physiotherapist (Vignette 1: 92% vs. 77% p = .030; Vignette 2:70% vs. 55% p = .035)
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is of great importance, as it is the world's leading cause of years lived with disability (Hoy et al, 2014; James et al, 2018). Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for LBP have existed in Denmark since 2012, patients continue to report incoherent care pathways with wide variation in the information and treatment they receive (Danish Health Authority, 2015a). This poses a problem, as studies have shown that adherence to CPGs can reduce inappropriate variations in the healthcare system and optimize the use of evidencebased management. To describe the PTs' treatment modalities for patients with LBP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
