Survey of confidence and knowledge to manage patellofemoral pain in readers versus nonreaders of the physical therapy clinical practice guideline

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare beliefs of physical therapists (PTs) who read the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to those who have not read the CPG. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingOnline survey. Participants494 currently licensed/registered PTs or physiotherapists. Main outcome measuresRespondents answered Likert-based or open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, and management of individuals with PFP, as well as confidence for managing individuals with PFP, especially the ability to identify beneficial and non-beneficial interventions. We dichotomized responses into participants who read (READERS) and did not read (NonREADERS) the CPG. ResultsMost respondents held inaccurate beliefs about risk factors and prognosis; however, READERS’ beliefs better aligned with the CPG than NonREADERS (P < 0.01). Most respondents correctly agreed that hip and knee exercise was the recommended treatment strategy; yet NonREADERS believed in implementing unsupported passive treatments (P < 0.01). READERS reported greater confidence in managing individuals with PFP, delivering evidence-based interventions, identifying less beneficial treatments, and locating evidence-based resources than NonREADERS (P < 0.01). ConclusionWhile READERS and NonREADERS held accurate beliefs for exercise-based treatment for PFP, greater knowledge translation is needed to counter inaccurate beliefs regarding risk factors, prognostic factors, and passive treatments.