Perceptions Of Physiotherapists Research Articles

Exploring the Perceptions of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Working in the Acute Hospital Setting, of Communication of Older Adults' Rehabilitation

Abstract Background As the ageing population continue to rise with this comes an increase in `geriatric syndromes' such as gait, balance or cognitive issues as well as the implications of frailty. Hospitalisation amongst older adults can often see risks such as deconditioning, delirium and losing independence. The role of rehabilitation for older adults becomes key to restoring one’s ability to live independently but can often be impacted by medical or cognitive status, communication and resources within the acute hospital setting. Issues such as uncertainty around goals or abilities as well as lack of resources can mean terms such as `rehabilitation potential' can impact on communication of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists frequently communicate with patients, their families and carers as well as the wider multidisciplinary team about older adults’ rehabilitation. Methods Focus groups were conducted among physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who worked in acute hospital settings in Ireland, to explore their perceptions of communication of older adults' rehabilitation. Results Nineteen therapists were recruited across five focus groups, which identified a number of themes around communication of older adults’ rehabilitation. Participants reported on communication strategies such as building rapport and using meaningful goals with older adults' rehabilitation. Participants discussed the rehabilitative journey through the acute setting and the impact of 'rehabilitation potential', resources as well as cognitive and medical status on communication of rehabilitation. Further training on communication were highlighted by participants as an area for future development. Conclusion Communication plays a key role in older adults' rehabilitation and can often be complicated by resources, time and pressures of the acute hospital setting. Multidisciplinary training could play a role in addressing how communication can enhance older adults' rehabilitation.

Understanding the importance of therapeutic alliance during physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain in children: a scoping review.

Musculoskeletal pain affecting children is common. Rehabilitation and treatment effectiveness can be influenced by multiple individual and contextual factors. The need for more rigorous evaluation of physiotherapy treatment for children's pain, identification of the role of specific techniques, and exploration of the influence of the therapeutic alliance is needed. This scoping review of research aimed to examine: (1) What are the perceptions of children, parents, and physiotherapists about the importance of therapeutic alliance during musculoskeletal pain treatment? (2) What are the key characteristics of therapeutic alliance during a child's musculoskeletal pain treatment from the perspectives of children, parents, and physiotherapists? and (3) What are the perceived impacts of therapeutic alliance (positive and negative) during a child's physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain? The scoping review, based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework and reporting was guided by PRISMA-ScR. The search strategy was based on three concept blocks: (1) Study population: Children (<18 years); (2) Medical condition: Any musculoskeletal pain (acute, chronic primary, chronic secondary); (3) Intervention: Qualitative exploration of experience of physiotherapy treatment delivered by a physiotherapist from the perspective of a child, parent, or physiotherapist. The search (no date limit) was conducted in February 2024 across Medline, AMED and CINAHL. Following duplicate removal and assessment of eligibility of the initial 236 articles, nine articles were included; of these, only one specifically aimed to explore therapeutic alliance and it was the only paper to directly mention therapeutic alliance. All nine articles presented the child's experience. One overarching theme "Finding resilience within me through therapeutic alliance" and three main themes: "A trusted guide through the ups and the downs of rehabilitation"; "Having a route map"; and "Take me seriously but make it fun" were identified. Therapeutic alliance was considered important by children, parents and physiotherapist and it influenced child and parent perceptions of physiotherapy and overall treatment outcomes. Physiotherapists can foster the children's resilience when experiencing musculoskeletal pain by providing disciplinary expertise, connecting and collaborating with the child by becoming their trusted guide, and co-creating a route map for rehabilitation by helping them to learn about their body, pain and recovery timeline.

Physiotherapy educators' perceptions of physiotherapists' competencies and continuing education in the practice of musculoskeletal physiotherapy direct access.

The aim of direct access (DA) physiotherapy practice in Finland is the treatment of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions by physiotherapists who have completed continuing DA education. It is difficult to pinpoint the competencies of DA physiotherapists as their roles and scope of practice varies. The present study aimed to explore the competencies and education of DA physiotherapists through the perceptions of DA educators. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews of eleven Finnish physiotherapy educators who described their perceptions of DA physiotherapists' competencies and their continuing DA education. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and then examined using a reflexive thematic analysis. Two main themes were formulated on the basis of the data, conveying the educators' perceptions. The first theme, Interaction as grounds for meaningful clinical reasoning, had two subthemes: Meaningful encounter and Rationally and safely locating the core of the client's problem. The second theme, Continuing professional development in an expert role, had four subthemes: Continuous learning, Self-reflection, Deep understanding and Taking responsibility for one's own expertise. The present study revealed how DA educators perceive the competencies of DA physiotherapists. The findings highlight the perceived significance of the physiotherapists' interaction with the client as a ground for meaningful clinical reasoning, and their responsibility for their own continuing professional self-development.

Physiotherapy-assisted overground exoskeleton use: mixed methods feasibility study protocol quantifying the user experience, as well as functional, neural, and muscular outcomes in children with mobility impairments.

Early phase research suggests that physiotherapy paired with use of robotic walking aids provides a novel opportunity for children with severe mobility challenges to experience active walking. The Trexo Plus is a pediatric lower limb exoskeleton mounted on a wheeled walker frame, and is adjustable to fit a child's positional and gait requirements. It guides and powers the child's leg movements in a way that is individualized to their movement potential and upright support needs, and can provide progressive challenges for walking within a physiotherapy-based motor learning treatment paradigm. This protocol outlines a single group mixed-methods study that assesses the feasibility of physiotherapy-assisted overground Trexo use in school and outpatient settings during a 6-week physiotherapy block. Children ages 3-6 years (n = 10; cerebral palsy or related disorder, Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV) will be recruited by circle of care invitations to participate. Study indicators/outcomes will focus on evaluation of: (i) clinical feasibility, safety, and acceptability of intervention; (ii) pre-post intervention motor/functional outcomes; (iii) pre-post intervention brain structure characterization and resting state brain connectivity; (iv) muscle activity characterization during Trexo-assisted gait and natural assisted gait; (v) heart rate during Trexo-assisted gait and natural assisted gait; and (vi) user experience and perceptions of physiotherapists, children, and parents. This will be the first study to investigate feasibility indicators, outcomes, and experiences of Trexo-based physiotherapy in a school and outpatient context with children who have mobility challenges. It will explore the possibility of experience-dependent neuroplasticity in the context of gait rehabilitation, as well as associated functional and muscular outcomes. Finally, the study will address important questions about clinical utility and future adoption of the device from the physiotherapists' perspective, comfort and engagement from the children's perspective, and the impressions of parents about the value of introducing this technology as an early intervention. https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05463211.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY REGARDING THE PERCEPTION OF PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS ABOUT USABILITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CHATBOT I.E, OPENAI-CHATGPT FOR THE RETRIEVAL OF INFORMATION IN ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL SETTINGS

In the modern era dominated by technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has transcended the realm of science fiction to become a pivotal aspect of various fields, including health sciences. AI innovations like ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot, have sparked discussions regarding their practical applications in healthcare and academia. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare the perceptions of physical therapists and physical therapy students regarding the usability of ChatGPT for information retrieval in academic and clinical settings. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size, calculated to be 176 using G*Power analysis, was equally divided into two groups: 88 physical therapists and 88 physical therapy students. Data collection was conducted via Google Forms and manual questionnaires. Result: Out of the respondents, 39 (47.6%) physical therapy students and 43 (52.4%) physical therapists reported that they perceived ChatGPT and related AI technologies as effective tools for enhancing job performance and academic studies. Additionally, 49 physical therapy students and 52 physical therapists found AI chatbots easy to use. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the perceptions of usability between the two groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that physical therapists and physical therapy students share similar perceptions regarding the usability of AI chatbots like ChatGPT for information retrieval in clinical and academic settings. A significant majority of both groups acknowledged the potential benefits of these technologies, highlighting their applicability in professional and educational environments.

Physiotherapy students’ perceptions of engagement with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities during clinical placement

Introduction: Student physiotherapists’ perceptions and experiences when working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia have not been explored. Understanding the perceptions of student physiotherapists in this context may inform educational experiences in the pursuit of culturally responsive care. Therefore, this paper explores the perceptions and experiences of student physiotherapists engaging with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities during clinical placement. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews (n = 13) were conducted between March and September 2022 with final-year physiotherapy students from a single cohort at a single tertiary institution. Data were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated from the data: 1) culture is a challenge for all stakeholders in health, 2) adapting care and communication, 3) modelling from clinical educators and 4) university preparation. Students understood that culture significantly impacts health and that healthcare must be responsive to culture to be appropriate for a person from a culturally and linguistically diverse community. Understanding and being responsive to the unique attitudes, values and beliefs of each individual underpinned student physiotherapists’ perception of how healthcare can be culturally responsive, and this was viewed as a pivotal principle of person-centred care. Conclusion: Recommendations are made for stakeholders in physiotherapy clinical education to support opportunities for the development of cultural responsivity during physiotherapy training. University educators are encouraged to consider evaluating the volume and method in which cultural responsivity training is included in physiotherapy programs. Similarly, clinical educators are encouraged to integrate available frameworks for culturally safe practice that are appropriate to their setting of work.

Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in hospital settings during the pandemic: a phenomenological study of Finnish physiotherapists’ perspective

Introduction The subjective experiences of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensively studied; however, little research has focused on the experiences and perspectives of physiotherapists’, especially in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in hospital settings during the COVID-19-pandemic in Finland. Methods Hermeneutic phenomenology was employed as a methodology. Ten physiotherapists were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified: (1) pragmatic development of sensitive rehabilitation practices in a new and confusing working environment; (2) becoming a member of a cohesive team; (3) mixed feelings and reactions when facing the brutality of an unknown disease; and (4) being supported by colleagues but lacking support from the healthcare organisation. Conclusion The results may benefit healthcare organisations in improving organisational processes for ensuring the wellbeing of physiotherapists during future crises. Concrete actions to support employees could be developed by arranging resources for professional counselling and reflection during and after such crises, and by developing appropriate systems for recognising professional conduct in spite of difficult circumstances.

Physiotherapists' perceptions, readiness, enablers, and barriers to use telerehabilitation: A scoping review.

The growing use of telerehabilitation within the healthcare community has garnered substantial attention. In congruence with other healthcare fields, examining perceptions, barriers, and facilitators assumed paramount significance in the continuation and fortification of telerehabilitation practices among physiotherapists. In this scoping review, we aimed to systematically map the literature on the perceptions of physiotherapists as well as the barriers and enablers of telerehabilitation in their daily practice. The five-stage methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was used for this scoping review. In the framework, eight databases were searched using key search terms such as "telerehabilitation", "physiotherapists", "readiness", "enablers" and "barriers" All findings were organised into perceptions and readiness, enablers, and barriers. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were categorized as: (1) perception and readiness, (2) enablers, and (3) barriers. In the perception and readiness category, new trends in healthcare, advancement in physiotherapy practices and the benefits to clients were identified. The enablers identified included prior training, personal experience, familiarity with technology, functional equipment and space, and client selection. The barriers to the adoption of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice are pinpointed to poor technology, communication hurdles, limited availability, lack of familiarity, and client-related concerns. While initial evidence suggests a generally positive perceptions it is important to consider both facilitators and barriers when understanding adoption. This review's findings revealed a wide research gap, with unequal weightage towards barriers compared to enablers, and highlights the need for further research. Developing telerehabilitation guidelines that cater to both physiotherapists and clients is necessary.

Cardiological emergency and acute myocardial infarction: physician and physiotherapist perceptions of immediate care, use of prehospital ECGS and patient referrals

Doctors and physiotherapists play a key role in reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction through well-applied care, as well as through the key point of health education, given that most of the risk factors are modifiable. This article is a literature review, which aims to explore the challenges faced by patients with acute myocardial infarction. This review shows that heart attacks are a serious problem. The study proves that this damage can be reduced or minimized with the training of medical and physiotherapy professionals in recognizing the signs and symptoms in good time, as well as the best treatment.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physical therapists towards conventional physical therapy-across-sectional study.

Conventional physical therapy (CPT) is widely used in clinical practice and known to contribute beneficially to patient's health conditions but remains loosely defined. Research has shown inconsistency in the definition and utilization of CPT among physical therapists in clinical and research settings, limiting its generalisability and reproducibility. Therefore, this study evaluates physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward CPT. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire containing 36 questions was distributed among 238 licensed physical therapists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure the physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards CPT. Physical therapists showed limited knowledge of CPT in rehabilitation (4.09±1.698, 51%). However, the knowledge scores were significantly associated with age (P=0.002), educational levels (P=0.006), and years of work experience (P=0.001). Nevertheless, physical therapists showed an overall positive attitude towards CPT and perceived it as essential to rehabilitation. Most physical therapists have low knowledge about CPT but positive attitudes and perceptions. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate CPT theories and applications into physical therapists' rehabilitation programs.

The knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of physiotherapists and chiropractors in South Africa.

Effective healthcare delivery occurs when health professionals collaborate and provide holistic, patient-centred care. Physiotherapists and chiropractors treat a common range of patients with an overlap in their scope of practice and modalities because of typical healthcare roles that could lead to 'perceived' animosity. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists regarding each other's practice. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire and analysed descriptively. Participants were chiropractors (n = 116) and physiotherapists (n = 190). Chiropractors achieved a mean knowledge score of 75.7%, with physiotherapists at 59.7% on the assessments of each other's patients; an average score of 85.3% and 72.0% respectively, on knowledge of treatment modalities; knowledge score of 82.4% and 77.3% respectively, on the conditions treated by the other professional. A total of 82.8% (n = 96) of chiropractors and 70.0% (n = 133) of physiotherapists indicated the other professionals' competence in treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Inter-professional referrals occurred between 81.9% of chiropractors (n = 95) and 55.3% of physiotherapists (n = 105). Chiropractors (69.0%, n = 80) and physiotherapists (55.3%, n = 105) wanted to collaborate to manage patients. In the surveyed population in South Africa, chiropractors and physiotherapists had good knowledge, positive attitudes and perceptions of each other's practices, especially in the private sector. Inter-professional collaboration between chiropractors and physiotherapists should be encouraged so that healthcare delivery can be holistic and patient-centred for better clinical outcomes.

Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain: Perceptions of physical therapists and patients

A prototype visual feedback system has been developed to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain. The aim of this study was to assess the usability of the prototype in a rehabilitation setting. Twelve physical therapists integrated the device into their regular therapy programs for 24 neck pain patients with movement disorders. Each patient performed three individual therapy sessions with the device under physical therapist supervision. Usability was assessed by the physical therapists and patients using therapy diaries, the System Usability Scale, and focus group or personal interviews.Based on an overall usability rating of marginally acceptable, the visual feedback system was generally found to be a device with the potential to assess and train neck pain patients but needs improvement.To become a useful adjunct to regular physical therapy, improvements in the hardware and software, and further system developments are required.

PERCEPTIONS OF FILIPINO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ON TELE-ERGONOMICS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Tele-ergonomics is a telehealth service that shows great potential use given people’s growing reliance on the internet, highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have been conducted internationally regarding the implementation, feasibility, and efficiency of tele-ergonomics. As perceptions of physical therapists regarding this technology have not been explored in the Philippines, the objective of the study is to explore their perceptions on the practice. Methods: The study utilized a phenomenological design involving 10 licensed Filipino physical therapists selected through purposive sampling. Key informant interviews were conducted via Google Meet for data collection. The interview questions derived from Rosenstock’s Health Belief Model were self-made, semi-structured, and validated by two methodological experts. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed for the emergence of patterns by thematic content analysis through manual coding using Google Sheets to group themes and subthemes. The data was consolidated into an in-depth analysis and was further proofread by all researchers. Results: Thematic content analysis yielded a total of 52 codes, further categorized into four major themes, namely: (1) emergence of tele-ergonomics; (2) practices of tele-ergonomics; (3) its outcomes; and (4) recommendations for the future of the practice. Discussion: The study found that tele-ergonomics is necessary with the rise of digitalization and provided recommendations for the continuity of tele-ergonomics. It highlighted the need for proper training to refine the skills of physical therapists. As digitalization opens up new avenues of learning and delivery of services, it is important to establish comprehensive training that incorporates a more in-depth assessment of digital aspects. Hence, readiness is contingent upon proper training. The data further emphasizes one’s control over their motivation, behavior, and efficacy in providing the services.

An exploration of person-centredness among emergency department physiotherapists: a mixed methods study

Purpose There is a growing number of primary contact physiotherapists based in United Kingdom emergency departments (ED) who are expected to deliver person-centred practices. Perceptions of physiotherapists working in these high-pressure environments on person-centredness are currently unknown. A mixed methods exploration of person-centredness among ED physiotherapists targeted this knowledge gap to inform future clinical practice. Methods Online survey and semi-structured interviews followed a convergent mixed methods design with sequential explanatory features. Data sets were analysed separately using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, before merged analysis using joint display. Results Twenty-six surveys and 11 in-depth interviews were completed. The three overarching themes of ED patients, ED physiotherapists, and ED environment were generated. Themes were integrated and analysed alongside quantitative survey findings. This produced three novel contributions that further our understanding of person-centred practices among ED physiotherapists. Conclusion ED physiotherapists were mindful of an apparent, yet unspoken struggle between the competing philosophies of biomedicine and person-centredness. The results here support entering a patient’s world as a person-centred approach to help navigate the line between what an ED attender wants and the clinical need of their visit.

Occupational perceptions of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students in Turkey: A comparative study.

The social position, perceived prestige and image of a profession are often of interest to members of that profession, and physiotherapy is no exception. The aim of this study was to examine the perceived occupational prestige and image of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students in Turkey. 235 physiotherapy students and 465 physiotherapists were included in the study. A survey questioning occupational image, job satisfaction and prestige of the profession according to eight occupations was completed by the participants online. In terms of prestige, physiotherapy students ranked their profession fourth among eight undergraduate professions, while physiotherapists ranked their profession fifth. Compared to physiotherapists, physiotherapy students had more positive perceptions about their children becoming physiotherapists, the image of the profession in the eyes of the society, and job satisfaction (p < 0.05). Professional expectations of physiotherapists were higher than students. In addition, physiotherapists working for more than ten years had more positive perceptions about their children becoming physiotherapists, the public image of the profession, income level, and social standing, although perceived job satisfaction and need status were lower compared to physiotherapists with less than ten years of experience (p < 0.05). While physiotherapy students in Turkey perceived the prestige of the physiotherapist profession at a moderate level compared to other undergraduate professions, physiotherapists had a slightly lower perception of professional prestige compared to students. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject.

Exploring physiotherapists' perceptions of telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders: Insights from focus groups.

This study explored the perceived benefits, barriers, and recommendations of telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists in Malaysia. This study employed an exploratory qualitative methodology to gather the perceptions of government-employed physiotherapists in Malaysia regarding the benefits, barriers, and recommendations for telerehabilitation in treating musculoskeletal disorders. The researchers conducted semistructured focus group discussions (FGDs) via Google Meet, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five FGDs were conducted with 24 participants, 37.5% of whom had prior experience with telerehabilitation. The data analysis returned three main themes: (1) perceived benefits, (2) barriers, and (3) recommendations. Four subthemes were derived from perceived benefits: (1a) saving time and money, (1b) convenience, (1c) clients responsible for their treatment, and (1d) alternatives for infectious diseases. Perceived barriers revealed three subthemes: (2a) technology, (2b) organization, and (2c) personal barriers. Finally, participants provided recommendations for improving telerehabilitation services, including training programs to facilitate greater acceptance of this modality. The findings of this study offer crucial insights into the evolving landscape of telerehabilitation in Malaysia. These findings revealed a greater prevalence of barriers to enablers among Malaysian physiotherapists, potentially influenced by varying experience levels. Despite the prevailing lack of experience among participants, this research underscores the significance of identifying barriers and enablers in implementing telerehabilitation with participants offering recommendations for integrating telerehabilitation into their practices. This study provides clear insights and a roadmap for stakeholders aiming to shape the future of telerehabilitation among physiotherapists in Malaysia.

Perceptions of Post-Stroke Fatigue among Health Care Practitioners: A Qualitative Interview Study.

Background and Objectives: Post-Stroke Fatigue (PSF) is a complex, multidimensional, debilitating condition that affects almost half of all stroke survivors. This study explored the perceptions of physiatrists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists about PSF and their experiences in managing patients with PSF in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from three different groups: eight physiotherapists (PTs), eight occupational therapists (OTs), and eight physiatrists (DRs). Using purposive sampling, participants with at least one year of experience in the field of PSF management were invited to take part. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-four health care participants (eight PTs, eight OTs, eight DRs) were recruited. Five overarching themes encompassing various subthemes and sub-subthemes were generated: 'knowledge about post-stroke fatigue', 'diagnosing post-stroke fatigue', 'treatment approach', 'lack of awareness about post-stroke fatigue', and 'domains to improve'. The data indicated that participants used various strategies to manage PSF, including dietary changes, sleep hygiene, exercise, and energy conservation. Conclusions: Participants acknowledged that they lacked PSF-related management skills, despite possessing adequate knowledge about the management of stroke. Their openness to participating in activities that would improve their ability to diagnose and manage PSF was particularly striking.

Financial Resource Management Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes for Entry-level Physical Therapist Practice: A Survey of Physical Therapists in Ohio.

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of physical therapists (PTs) regarding the importance of financial resource management (FRM) knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) for entry-level practice and investigate the roles of PT education programs (PTEPs), clinical education experiences (CEEs), and employers in addressing these KSAs. FRM KSAs have been identified as components of professionalism and leadership and, as such, are a required element in student PTs (SPTs) educational preparation. A purposive sampling of convenience strategy was employed by requesting a free mailing list for Ohio-licensed PTs. An online survey was developed based on PT Clinical Performance Instrument Criterion #17, "Patient Management: Financial Resources," as this tool is frequently used to endorse entry-level status of SPTs. Potential participants were solicited through email. Mixed methodology was used to analyze survey results. The survey was completed by 266 PTs. FRM KSAs in legal and regulatory compliance were perceived as most important, followed by coding and billing. Forty-eight percent of participants indicated that FRM KSAs were "less important" (n = 111) or "considerably less important" (n = 17) than clinical care skills, whereas 39.8% (n = 106) believed that these skills are of the same level of importance. Ten themes were derived from qualitative responses regarding the FRM content that should be provided by PTEPs. Participants indicated that the role of PTEPs was to provide an introduction and foundation to FRM, whereas CEEs should facilitate intentional exposure and opportunities to apply FRM KSAs with supervision. Employers were expected to provide education regarding clinic-specific operations and reimbursement considerations, as well as mentorship that included reviewing complex billing for accuracy, offering guidance for improving time management skills, and discussing fiscal responsibilities to both the employer and patient. This information may guide PTEPs and clinical personnel in providing focused meaningful instruction regarding FRM aspects of PT practice to SPTs and entry-level clinicians.

Physiotherapists’ perceptions of the use of digital health to promote physical activity in people living with Parkinson’s disease

Aim To investigate the perceptions of physiotherapists on the use of digital health to promote physical activity (PA) in Parkinson’s disease. Methods A cross sectional survey focusing on demographics, current use of technology and digital skills, digital health delivery of PA interventions, advantages and barriers to digital health. Members of the gerontology and neurology clinical interest group of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists were invited to participate. Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis. Results A response rate of 65% was achieved (139/215). Respondents were confident in using digital health to promote PA and reported a moderate-high level of digital skills. The advantages of digital health included ease of access, easier monitoring of symptoms and increased patient self-efficacy. Barriers included lack of digital skills, poor internet access, lack of access to technology and lack of personal contact. Respondents suggested that a blended approach of initial face to face assessment with digital health follow up would be the best approach to using digital health in this patient group. Conclusion This study illustrates Irish physiotherapists’ perceptions of the use of digital health interventions and perceived barriers and motivators for the use of digital health among PwP. This study offers useful perspectives on how to use digital health to promote PA in PwP.

Barriers to Early Mobility of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit of Hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, According to the Perceptions of Physicians, Nurses, and Physiotherapists

Background &amp; Aims The early mobility of a patient hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a very complicated issue and requires coordination between the departments and between all ICU staff, including physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Early mobilization program is safe and feasible and has positive results for the patient, medical staff, families, and health system. The present study aims to determine the barriers to early mobility of patients admitted to the ICUs of hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Materials &amp; Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2020-2022. The study population consists of the ICU staff of hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, including physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Sampling was done by a census method. The data were collected using a demographic form and a researcher-made questionnaire of early mobility barriers of ICU patients and analyzed in SPSS software, version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In the present study, 174 nurses, physicians, and physiotherapists answered the questionnaire, where 57.8% were female and 59.8% were single. Among the barriers to early mobility, the patient-related barriers had the lowest mean (0.411±0.108) and cultural barriers had the highest mean (0.478±0.146). Conclusion It is necessary to investigate the barriers to early mobility of patients admitted to the ICU of study hospitals, especially the cultural barriers. In this regard, there is a need to design a clinical protocol to manage and reduce these barriers.