Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists

Abstract

BackgroundLower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability and can affect an individual's ability to work. ObjectivesTo explore Australian physiotherapists’ use of work-related interventions in managing patients with lower limb OA, and identify current management practices. MethodsPhysiotherapists with at least two years of experience treating patients with lower limb OA were invited to complete an online survey to understand how physiotherapists manage patients with lower limb OA, specifically regarding interventions related to work. ResultsA total of 132 physiotherapists completed the survey. In free text responses, only 1.5% and 2.3% of physiotherapists nominated work-related items in their key components of treatment or educational topics discussed with patients with lower limb OA, respectively. From a range of work-related activities presented, over half of physiotherapists indicated they regularly/always provided education about the benefits of remaining in work (63.5%) and advice on managing symptoms at work (57.4%). Less than 10% of physiotherapists regularly/always used a validated scale to identify barriers for work (9.6%), discussed absences from work (9.6%), conducted a workplace assessment (4.4%), and discussed submitting workers’ compensation claims (2.6%). Exercise and patient education were the most frequently nominated physiotherapy treatments in free text (96.2% and 86.3%, respectively) and fixed response (99.2% and 93.9%, respectively) questions. ConclusionMany physiotherapists do not address work-related activities in their management of patients with lower limb OA. In light of work-related challenges commonly experienced by individuals with lower limb OA, this is an important aspect of management of this condition.