Physiotherapy Practice Research Articles

Reevaluating the Drucebo Effect: Implications for Physiotherapy Practice

Reevaluating the Drucebo Effect: Implications for Physiotherapy Practice

Kinésithérapie effectivement basée sur le placebo : comment les recherches de ces deux champs s’alimentent

Beginning by exploring the historical links between physiotherapy and placebo, we examine how placebo research can help physiotherapy. Focusing on three original contributions, we look at how placebo treatments work and how placebo effects might be used in clinics by modulating contextual factors. The first study demonstrates that open placebos are non-inferior to deceptive placebos. The second examines the acceptability of placebo treatments and the third how physiotherapists use placebo effects in their daily work by manipulating contextual factors. We close by examining at the importance of placebo research in the design of relevant control groups in rehabilitation research. Taken together, these results reflect on the epistemological basis for determining the efficacy of physiotherapy, and motivate the practice of ethical physiotherapy rooted in an in-depth understanding of placebo effects and contextual factors.

Shoulder osteoarthritis: A survey of current (2024) UK physiotherapy practice.

Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and disability. It is thought that the wider principles of osteoarthritis management can be applied in the management of people with shoulder osteoarthritis, but most prior research has been conducted with people experiencing osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. There is a paucity of evidence to guide the non-surgical management of shoulder osteoarthritis and limited understanding of current physiotherapy practice. We aimed to investigate the current treatment recommendations by physiotherapists in the UK for people with shoulder OA. An online survey using a clinical vignette was designed and distributed to UK registered physiotherapists with experience of managing people with shoulder osteoarthritis, via social media and professional networks. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic and multiple-choice questions, and free text responses were summarised narratively. 114 respondents accessed the survey with 110 valid responses; 105 (95%) respondents would offer face-to-face consultations, with 89 (81%) respondents expecting to offer 2-4 appointments. 108 (98%) respondents would offer advice/education; 79 (72%) would offer weight management; 82 (75%) prescribed exercises to improve movement; and 101 (92%) offered exercises to increase strength. If a person lived with obesity or had a treatment preference, the majority of respondents would change their recommendations. This is the first survey of NHS physiotherapy practice for people with shoulder osteoarthritis. The responses largely align with NICE guidelines; despite this alignment, it is not known whether such guideline-based care is acceptable to people with shoulder osteoarthritis or clinically effective.

Clinical Sports physiotherapy practice in India- it’s time to upgrade with technology and evidence based practice

In India, the job of a sports physiotherapist is very demanding because, due to the increased number of injuries in all sports, it is claimed that athletes require complete care to recover and prevent injuries. At present, the general population in India, looking to lead a healthy life, also participates in recreational sports activities. So sports physiotherapy is also recommended for the general population.After finishing their education, physiotherapists play a crucial and essential role in the recovery of sports players. Sports physiotherapists' main duties include handling on-field injuries, preventing injuries, treating injuries in the outpatient setting, helping patients recover from arthroscopic surgery, and travelling with sports teams or individuals for short or infrequently longer contract periods. This article summarize the suggestions and solutions to improve the standards of sports physiotherapy practice in india.

Navigating the 'Pits and Perils' of Analgesic Therapy in Advanced Liver Disease and Cirrhosis.

The role of the liver in drug metabolism makes individuals with hepatic dysfunction more susceptible to adverse drug reactions, necessitating careful consideration in analgesic selection and dosing. Acetaminophen, despite being a common cause of liver failure, is considered safe within recommended dosages. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while effective, pose risks in cirrhosis due to complications like renal failure and gastrointestinal bleeding. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have limited data, and their use is discouraged due to cardiovascular concerns. Opiates, though potent, require cautious use in cirrhosis due to altered metabolism, potential adverse effects, and the risk of addiction. Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and desipramine can be utilized for neuropathic pain, while SSRIs and SNRIs are not recommended. Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and pregabalin are preferred for neuropathic pain, with gabapentin being the first-line choice. Topical analgesics, including NSAIDs, lidocaine, and rubefacients, are deemed safe for use in cirrhosis, offering localized relief with minimal systemic effects. Nonpharmacological approaches addressing medical, psychological, and socio-economic factors are crucial adjuvants to analgesic therapy in advanced liver diseases. Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and traditional practices like yoga and massage, as well as novel modalities, contribute to a holistic pain management strategy. This review provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights into the complex landscape of analgesic therapy in cirrhosis. Meticulous consideration of drug metabolism, hepatic safety, and individual patient factors is paramount in optimizing pain management strategies for this challenging patient population.

Promoting running as the best treatment for lower back pain in physiotherapy practice: a best practice implementation project.

This project aimed to promote running as the best treatment for lower back pain (LBP) in an outpatient setting. LBP is one of the most prevalent conditions worldwide. Sixty-two percent of all Germans experience episodes of non-specific back pain at least once a year, with one-fifth developing chronic conditions. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a natural process, contributing to periods of acute LBP. However, the scientific literature and guidelines partially overlook the significance of water management in IVD. This implementation project sought to address this gap by educating patients about this process. Running and/or walking were chosen as general approaches for treatment rather than specific disease-related approaches. This implementation project was conducted in an outpatient physiotherapy clinic in Brandenburg, Germany, utilizing the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. An evidence-informed clinical audit and feedback strategy was used to measure compliance with ten audit criteria. Five physiotherapists and 20 patients took part in the audits. At baseline, only 20% of participating physiotherapists screened for yellow flags regarding psychological issues. However, after project implementation, this criterion scored 100% compliance. Some patients performed exercises independently, but confusion persisted regarding the choice of beneficial exercises. Patients continued running, but those who took a break due to pain expressed uncertainty about resuming. The project highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between patients and therapists to address the issue. The project team's conviction in action and solution strategies serves as the foundation for this collaboration. This implementation strategy provided "running" patients with the confidence to either resume or reintegrate running after an extended break. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A222.

Social support from the physiotherapist and the therapeutic relationship in physiotherapy: bridging theory to practice

ABSTRACT Background/Purpose Therapeutic relationship and social support are critical components in physiotherapy that shape patient outcomes. However, defining these constructs, discerning their similarities and differences, and measuring them pose challenges. This article aims to facilitate scientific and clinical advancement on social support and the therapeutic relationship in physiotherapy by (a) providing conceptual clarity, (b) discussing measurement tools, and (c) offering practical recommendations for the deliberate incorporation of these constructs in clinical practice. Methods This is a perspective paper drawing on examples from existing research. Key Results Assessing the nature and strength of social support and promoting naturally occurring social support networks are practical ways for physiotherapists to foster social support in physiotherapy clinical practice. Physiotherapists can offer direct support, facilitate the development of an individual’s social skills, and promote participation in group activities. To strengthen the therapeutic relationship, it is important to maintain good communication, foster connectedness with the patient, demonstrate professional skills, and adopt a reflective practice. Physiotherapists are encouraged to establish clear roles and responsibilities, prioritize individualized patient-centered care, and involve patients in shared decision-making, ensuring congruence in goals and expectations. Willingness to dedicate time and energy within and beyond direct patient-therapist interactions can foster connections. Moreover, using the body – which is the main point of contact with patients – and physical touch can help physiotherapists to connect with patients. Finally, physiotherapists must be prepared to address and mend any conflicts which can impact the relationship’s trajectory. Conclusion Social support and therapeutic relationships are complementary aspects of one’s health care, and it is crucial to purposefully account for both in physiotherapy practice to optimize person-centered care and rehabilitation outcomes.

Description of Specialty Practice-10 Years Onward: The Changes in Geriatric Physical Therapy.

An analysis of practice is conducted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) every 10 years to revalidate, update, and revise the description of specialty practice (DSP) for each specialty. The Geriatric Specialty Council recently conducted an analysis of practice and revised its content consistent with established procedures by the ABPTS. The purpose of this article is threefold: first, to describe the process of the most recent practice analysis; second, to report revisions to the description of specialty practice based on the analysis of practice; and third, to identify elements of practice that define current specialist practice in geriatric physical therapy. A 10-member committee of subject matter experts (SMEs) and a psychometric consultant developed a survey instrument addressing geriatric physical therapy specialty practice areas. The survey was initially pilot-tested and subsequently administered online to a sample of 801 board-certified geriatric clinical specialists. The consultant facilitated the consensus process to determine decision rules in selecting the final competencies describing current geriatric physical therapy specialty practice. A total of 372 respondents fully or partially completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 46.4%. Based on a priori decision rules regarding survey data, consensus of the group of SMEs, and input from the ABPTS, the DSP for geriatric physical therapy specialty practice was revised. Revisions (elimination [-] of prior items and addition [+] of new items) were made in Section 1: Knowledge Areas (-8 and +6), in Section 2: Professional Roles, Responsibilities, and Values (-14 and +4), and Section 3: Practice Expectations (-53 and +28). The revised DSP will be used as the basis for the development of the examination blueprint for the specialist examination in geriatric physical therapy and the curricula for residency programs in geriatric physical therapy.

The impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke. It corresponds to the development of pneumonia, which is always associated with bad prognosis, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 70 ischemic stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, age ranged from 49 to 65years. They were randomly assigned to two groups (control and study) of equal number. Patients in the control group received oral care and nasogastric tube feeding, while patients in the study group received the same program in addition to the designed physical therapy program (exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation). The intervention program was applied for 40min/session, 1 session/day, and 5days/week for 4weeks. Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS), and stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) control and prevention criteria were used to assess dysphagia and incidence of pneumonia at baseline, after two and 4weeks of intervention for both groups. Before treatment, all patients were susceptible to pneumonia after two and 4weeks of intervention; there were a significant increase in GUSS score in both groups with more improvement in favor of the study group (p<0.05) and a statistically significant increase in incidence of SAP after 2weeks of intervention only in the control group (p<0.05). The results also showed a significant negative correlation between GUSS score and SAP (r=- 0.3662, p=0.0018) IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: adding physical therapy (exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) to oral care and nasogastric tube feeding is effective in improving oropharyngeal dysphagia and decreasing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.

About a person with a missing limb and a clubfoot in one of their legs (congenital talipes equinovarus, or CTEV)

The Ponseti technique has a higher success rate than any other method now used in physiotherapy practice for the treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus or clubfoot. The study’s objective was to discover proof that using the Ponseti approach for clubfoot challenging functional results and missing limb by prosthetic shoes. A baby girl who was 1 month and 6 days old and had no prior history of complications for either her mother or herself visited Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP). We identified her as having unilateral normal clubfeet (left) and missing limb in right, and throughout the casting process, her midfoot scored higher than her hindfoot. On the first casting day, feet had a total Pirani score (PS) of 5.5. Total casting was necessary, and the right feet’s PSs were 1.5 and 1, respectively. Just before the casting, she had manipulation (exercise therapy). After nine casting, Pirani’s score was zero. Afterward, the patient was given the brace and prosthetic in the 4 size. This study’s findings suggest that using the Ponseti approach yields comprehensive clinical and functional results and missing limb by prosthetic shoes.

Evaluating the impact of a 2-week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) on pre-registration physiotherapy students’ attitudes, self-perceived confidence, and competence in delivering telerehabilitation.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about rapid digital transformation of physiotherapy practice and education. Previous studies have suggested a lack of knowledge, beliefs, and clinical acceptance of telerehabilitation as barriers to implementation and sustainability of telerehabilitation. Providing pre-registration specific teaching and practical experience of telerehabilitation may improve physiotherapy student confidence and competence in delivering telerehabilitation and support clinical acceptance of telerehabilitation in practice. A 2-week Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) was developed and evaluated to explore its impact on third year physiotherapy student attitudes, and perceived competence and confidence in delivering telerehabilitation. Students completed a Likert scale questionnaire, immediately pre and post the PEEP placement, rating their perceived confidence and competence in four key areas of telerehabilitation: assessment, intervention, communication, and problem solving. In addition, students participated in group discussions to explore the impact of the PEEP on their attitudes towards telerehabilitation. 59 students completed the PEEP, 49 (mean age 25±6.6 years, 41% male) completed both the pre and post placement questionnaire. 55 students participated in group discussions (n=8). Following the PEEP, self-perceived confidence and competence increased in all four key areas assessed. Analysis of the group discussions identified three core themes: Prior experience and assumptions of telerehabilitation, Opportunities and barriers, and Experience of the PEEP. Participation in a 2-week PEEP had a positive impact on physiotherapy student confidence and perceived competence in delivering telerehabilitation. Student attitudes towards telerehabilitation generally improved, with increased acceptance and recognition of its clinical value for physiotherapy practice. Students’ concerns echoed those of clinicians identified in prior research related to the opportunities and barriers facing telerehabilitation. The intensive structure of the PEEP, peer interaction and simulation appeared to positively impact on outcomes related to confidence and acceptance of telerehabilitation. Further research is required to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of pre-registration telerehabilitation training as a means of preparing students for practice and supporting sustainability of telerehabilitation in the post-COVID era.

New-Graduate Physiotherapists’ Reflections on Training Experiences for Clinical Documentation

Background: Clinical documentation is a core component of physiotherapy practice and a required competency for professional accreditation in Australia, however there is a gap in understanding how physiotherapists’ documentation skills are developed. Objective: To explore new-graduate physiotherapists’ experiences and perspectives of learning clinical documentation in Australian entry-level physiotherapy programs. Methods: A qualitative study, featuring inductive reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with new-graduate physiotherapists who graduated less than two years prior from Australian higher education institutions. Results: Sixteen new-graduate physiotherapists from six different entry-level physiotherapy programs participated. Four themes were generated to describe the data: 1) mixed experiences of learning documentation, 2) clinical placements are highly influential for skill development, 3) documentation education affects engagement in clinical settings, and 4) exposure, practice, feedback – repeat. Conclusion: Strong views were expressed amongst all participants regarding the importance of documentation training, with high value placed on early and repeated opportunities for exposure, practice and feedback when learning documentation skills. Authentic or ‘realistic’ settings for skill development were most influential, such as practical classes, simulation activities and clinical placements. Concerns were raised regarding inconsistencies in training experiences. Implications for enhancing entry-level physiotherapy training in clinical documentation are discussed.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Associated with Rheumatoid Lung at The Koulikoro Reference Health Center, Mali

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a cause of bronchial dilatation, associated with rheumatoid lung is rare. This is why we report a case with the aim of discussing the clinical, diagnostic characteristics and therapeutic possibilities of ciliary pathology and showing the link between it and rheumatoid arthritis. Observation: This is a 40-year-old African patient, married without children, from a consanguineous couple, with a family history of a brother who died in adulthood in a picture of respiratory failure and productive cough. She presented with recurrent rhinorrhea since childhood and bronchorrhea in a picture of progressively worsening dyspnea and clubbing. During the evolution of the disease, inflammatory polyarthralgia was associated. The ultrastructural ciliary study by electron microscopy and the measurement of nasal nitrogen oxide are the confirmatory examinations of primary ciliary dyskinesia. They are not achievable in our practice. However, based on the history and clinical findings, the patient presented several elements in favor of this pathology. additional investigations, notably the rheumatoid factor and the chest CT scan, allowed us to suggest rheumatoid lung. Our therapeutic conduct was the administration of antibiotic therapy, oxygen therapy, immunosuppressant, anti-inflammatory and the practice of respiratory physiotherapy. Conclusion: Primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing respiratory failure.

What can physiotherapy learn by looking more closely at ‘how’ research insights come about? The role of reflexivity and representation

ABSTRACT In this paper, we draw on an example of heuristic inquiry – (Re)imagining becoming a physiotherapist: a phenomenological approach – to illustrate the role that reflexivity and representation can play in physiotherapy research outcomes and the meaning they might have for moving the profession forward. Qualitative research in physiotherapy tends to acknowledge reflexivity as a route to objectivity by making researcher biases overt, yet the debate about data representation (a researcher’s decision-making about how data are represented in a text) barely feature. This contrasts with qualitative research in other fields, including other health professions, where matters of representation (i.e., how knowledge is conveyed) are routinely debated and contested. Reflexivity, in fact, is much more than being transparent. Together with representation, reflexivity helps to position both the voices of participants and researchers within the research. The heuristic inquiry described in this paper offers new insights about learning to be a physiotherapist; it challenged assumptions about care in physiotherapy practice and it changed the first researcher’s identity and practice. These insights were generated through the synergies between reflexivity and representation, and we argue that physiotherapy research has an opportunity to be more expansive by taking a commitment to reflexivity and representation more seriously.

Melanoma and People of Color: The Role of Physical Therapists

While the incidence of melanoma in people of color is low, when melanoma is diagnosed, it is often at later stages, resulting in the likelihood of death when compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. This is a health disparity that needs to be addressed. This disparity demands the attention of first-line health care providers, especially providers serving minority populations. Physical therapists (PTs) in the United States are allowed direct access to patients (access specifics vary by state) and are well-positioned to be part of the solution to this health disparity. The skin is an organ highly accessible to and frequently encountered by PTs, and early detection is associated with better melanoma-related outcomes. However, there is limited literature available regarding PTs and their role in aiding melanoma detection in skin, much less among people of color. This perspective paper introduces a novel, inclusive screening approach, following the mnemonic NO SUN, as an adjunct to the well-established asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolution/evolving rule to address the disparity. The mnemonic NO SUN stands for Non-sun-exposed, Oral, Soles and palms, Underneath genitalia, and Nail beds—areas where suspicious lesions are commonly found in people of color. Both patient and PT education on melanoma and how its presentation differs in people of color are included in this strategy. Highlighting the needs of this special population and addressing those needs with standard physical therapy practice serves as a path toward health equity within an interdisciplinary framework.

Shared decision-making in advanced physiotherapy and first contact physiotherapy management of adults with musculoskeletal disorders in the United Kingdom: An online cross-sectional survey.

Advanced practice physiotherapy roles (Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners [APPs] and First Contact Physiotherapists [FCPs]) are pivotal in supporting patients to manage their musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Having a greater understanding of how decisions are made by these practitioners will inform competency frameworks and improve the provision of patient-centred care. To evaluate the current knowledge, viewsand use of shared decision-making in MSK advanced physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, knowledge, viewsand self-reported use of shared decision-making (SDM) of APPsand FCPswho work with adults with MSK disorders in the United Kingdom. Responses from 49 participants (25 APPs and 24 FCPs) were included in the study. In total, 80% of participants had received SDM training and overall high levels of knowledge were shown. Only 12% of participants used a communication model to facilitate SDM. In total, 80% of participants reported making decisions together with the patient either always or most of the time. FCPs favoured a more patient-led approach to decision-making compared to APPs who favoured collaborative decision-making. The most commonly reported barriers to SDM included lack of time, lack of patient education resources, lack of access to patient decision aidsand treatment pathway restrictions. The responses in this study showed that overall APPs and FCPs have good knowledge of SDM and report routine use of collaborative and patient-led decision-making approaches.

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.

Informing low back pain care from the ground up: Survey of national musculoskeletal triage physiotherapists in Ireland

BackgroundHealthcare is changing to meet the challenge of a rising musculoskeletal burden associated with the expanding, aging population. Clinicians, important stakeholders in healthcare provision, have crucial insights into service improvement, but clinician consultation is a shortcoming in healthcare development. In Ireland, specialist physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal (MSK) triage services operate at the primary-secondary care interface to expedite patient care. ObjectivesTo inform future development of low back pain (LBP) care in Ireland through profiling the operationalisation of the national MSK triage service for LBP, including access, referral management, clinical investigations, onward referral options, access to multidisciplinary team (MDT) services and integration with primary healthcare services. DesignCross-sectional observational study using a bespoke, anonymous electronic survey. ParticipantsThirty-eight clinical specialist physiotherapists working in national programme Irish MSK triage services. ResultsThirty-eight MSK Triage physiotherapists submitted responses (response rate 72%). There was considerable site-dependent variation in LBP service provision, with discrepancies in access to triage services, wait times, referral processing and prioritisation, access to clinical investigations and onward referral options. Most respondents (81%) reported wait times exceeding the three-month target; 75% reported that the level of clinical autonomy associated with their role limited service efficiency; 75% were dissatisfied with primary-secondary care service integration. Respondents identified insufficient availability of primary care multidisciplinary services. ConclusionLack of standardisation of LBP services exists in Ireland. Services would benefit from improved standardisation, reduced wait times, national accreditation and a defined scope of advanced physiotherapy practice and the development of nationwide community multidisciplinary infrastructure with enhanced interservice communication.

Current Trends for Children With Spina Bifida: A Survey of Pediatric Physical Therapists.

To describe contemporary physical therapy practice and management of children with spina bifida (SB) in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. A descriptive, cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to US pediatric physical therapy clinics and posted in the American Physical Therapy Association Pediatrics newsletter. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Codes were compared, refined, and condensed into categories. A total of 163 participants were included. Most assessments evaluated the ICF Activity component. Most frequently reported ICF components: impairments=decreased strength (17.9%), activity limitations=limited walking (22.5%), and participation restrictions=restricted socializing/playing with peers or siblings (22.6%). The most prevalent intervention was strength training. Physical therapists (PTs) in the United States are performing assessments and interventions supported by available evidence; however, knowledge translation and more research are needed to support best practices in PT management of children with SB.

Dementia Education for Physiotherapy Students: A Questionnaire of Australian and Canadian Entry-To-Professional Practice Programs

Purpose: To determine (1) what dementia education is provided to entry-to-professional practice physiotherapy students in Canada and Australia; (2) how this education is delivered; and (3) the challenges in delivering this education. Methods: A designated education provider from each university who offered entry-to-professional practice physiotherapy programs received a web-based questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Responses from 30/36 eligible universities resulted in 35 physiotherapy programs included for analysis. Canadian programs had a median of 5.5 hours (range, min-max, 0.5–13.0 hours), and Australia 4.0 hours (range, min-max, 2.0–22.0 hours) of dementia education. Lectures and tutorials were the most common method of delivery. There were varying amounts of education on topics such as cognition, communication, and behavioural symptoms and strategies. Challenges included dementia being difficult to teach, student stigma about people with dementia, difficulty providing students with real-life exposure to people with dementia, engaging students in the topic, and integrating dementia education into full programs. Conclusion: Dementia education across programs varies, with some programs lacking content on key topics such as cognitive, communication, and behavioural symptoms and strategies. These results may help physiotherapy accreditation organizations and universities develop dementia education standards and content.