Physiotherapy Profession Research Articles

Physiotherapy under pressure: A cross-sectional study on the interplay between perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout.

Given the escalating challenges for UK-based physiotherapists in workload pressures, budget constraints, staff shortages and patient wait times, the profession (of 65,000 registered physiotherapists) necessitates immediate attention to the health and well-being of the therapists. This pioneering study aims to examine perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout among UK-based physiotherapists across the NHS, private practice, sports, and academia. This cross-sectional study utilised an online survey and implementation of Structure Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the interplay of perfectionism (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Short Form), moral injury (Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Healthcare Professionals), and burnout (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire). Our sample size calculation represents the UK physiotherapy profession, utilising a 95% confidence interval with a 5% margin of error. Our analysis conducted on (n = 402) UK-based physiotherapists reveals significant burnout levels, with 96% of participants presenting with moderate to high burnout scores. SEM revealed perfectionism and moral injury collectively accounted for a substantial 62% of burnout variability, highlighting their sequential impact on burnout manifestation. With such high levels of burnout, urgent intervention is paramount. Elevated burnout presents challenges for the physiotherapy profession as staff retention, accurate and effective patient care, and overall health are severely impacted due to burnout. Recognising and addressing perfectionism and moral injury, such as through amendment or development of policy, becomes pivotal to mitigate its impact on individual and collective health.

Physiotherapy Professionals: A Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Telerehabilitation Services in Egypt

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of telerehabilitation services in Egypt and to investigate the concerns and barriers faced by Egyptian physiotherapists for implementation. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 306 Egyptian physiotherapists who were asked to complete an online survey including questions about the utilization of telerehabilitation services, awareness, perception, and attitude. Results: A total of 299 physiotherapists completed the online survey. Within the sample, 38.5% utilized telerehabilitation at work. Telerehabilitation was used frequently to deliver patient advice (17.6%), follow-up (16%), and exercise prescription (15.2%). Pain (16.2%) was the most common outcome assessed utilizing telerehabilitation. Additionally, 85.3% of physiotherapists agreed that the inclusion of telerehabilitation during the rehabilitation program is effective. The main barriers to implementing telerehabilitation in Egypt were lack of awareness (59.9%) and technical issues (58.2%). Conclusion: This study sheds light on the trends and challenges in utilizing telerehabilitation and may help in shaping the future of telerehabilitation in Egypt.

Impact of Ergonomics on Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students in Bangladesh

Background: Poor ergonomics is a global concern, contributing to musculoskeletal complaints mostly muscle imbalance, strain, and fatigue among university students due to abnormal posture. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the impact of ergonomics on undergraduate physiotherapy students in Bangladesh. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2021 to July of 2022. The convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 210 undergrad physiotherapy students studying at different physiotherapy colleges or institute in Bangladesh. The modified ergonomics related self-questionnaire was used to explore the idea, knowledge and awareness about the correct posture, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to collect data about the severity of musculoskeletal pain. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for analysis. Results: The mean age ± SD of the students was 23.13 ± 2.484. Out of 210 respondents, the majority of the respondents (54.8%) were males, and most of them from crowed area (50.5%). The most of the student’s was Muslim (89.0%) while maximum were single (80.5%). The most of the students have to attend on the class in sitting posture up to 6-8 hours (69.5%) daily. The students have lack of postural awareness and forward bending is their preferred posture. The maximum participants (57.90%) had lower back pain, while 25.8% of had been prevented from doing their normal work due to pain. The results of the study showed a strong association between the study hours daily and correct sitting posture of the students (χ2 = 11.008, df = 5, and p = 0.004). Conclusion: The study found that professional physiotherapy students have low ergonomics awareness and the benefits of its proper use. The preventive training and physiotherapy programs could effectively reduce musculoskeletal complaints among the undergraduate students.

Development of the Revised Entry-Level Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults: Linking Domains of Competence, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Standards, and the Geriatric 5Ms.

Geriatric physical therapy (PT) has evolved since 2011, when the Essential Competencies (ECs) in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of the Entry-level Physical Therapy Professional Program of Study were published. The purpose of the ECs was to ensure that all entry-level physical therapists were prepared to meet the unique needs of the growing older adult population. Changes in population demographics, medical and research advances, coupled with advancements in the profession of PT, necessitate a revision of the ECs. The Academic Education Committee of APTA Geriatrics was convened to revise the original ECs. Participation was solicited and obtained from experts in clinical and academic geriatric PT; committee work lasted from 2021 to 2024. The committee recognized the intersection of the Domains of Competence Framework developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Education partnership, the geriatric medicine 5Ms model, and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards in guiding entry-level PT education. The committee determined that the Domains of Competence, Geriatric 5Ms, and CAPTE standards could synergistically enhance the establishment of contemporary ECs. Input from a nonresearch-based informational survey of APTA Geriatrics members, supported by feedback from discussion at a platform presentation at the APTA's Combined Section Meeting San Diego 2023, informed the revised ECs presented in the current manuscript. This manuscript presents the revised ECs and describes how each EC links to the Domains of Competence, the Geriatric 5Ms, and CAPTE standards. The updated ECs aim to promote best practices in entry-level PT education by providing all stakeholders clear and concise competency statements for the physical therapy examination and treatment of older adults.

Disaster Health Management and Competencies Among Physiotherapy Professionals: An Exclusive Review with Bibliometric Analysis

Disaster Health Management and Competencies Among Physiotherapy Professionals: An Exclusive Review with Bibliometric Analysis

Factors Influencing Physiotherapists' Use of Non-Academic Sources for Technical Information in Brazil.

The integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) into clinical decision-making is crucial for ensuring optimal patient care. However, there are various factors influencing the utilization of academic sources among physiotherapists, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of these dynamics. The present study aimed to investigate the association between personal factors (age, time since graduation, number of patients, and education level), barriers to EBP implementation and perceptions about EBP, and physiotherapists' preference for using non-academic sources when seeking technical information about physiotherapy. This was a cross-sectional study involving 610 physiotherapists. Participants completed an online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, sources of information, barriers to EBP implementation, and perceptions regarding the importance of scientific information in clinical practice. Logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with the preference for non-academic sources of information. Nearly a quarter of the sample exhibited a preference for non-academic sources, with age over 34years, perceived lack of abilities to apply scientific findings, and understanding issues related to EBP being significant associated with the preference of this types of sources of information. Physiotherapists with these characteristics were twice as likely to prefer non-academic sources when compared to physiotherapists who do not have these characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing professional competencies in EBP and fostering confidence in utilizing academic sources. While efforts have been made to incorporate EBP promotion in academic curricula, further initiatives are needed to bridge the gap between established knowledge and the competencies required for daily practice. Future studies should continue to explore the role of age in EBP applicability and the adoption of scientific knowledge, aiming to inform targeted interventions and educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of physiotherapy professionals.

Student and physiotherapists' perceived abilities to prescribe effective physical activity and exercise interventions: A cross-sectional survey.

Physical activity, aerobic and resistance training have established benefits to health and wellbeing, with physiotherapists playing a vital role in their promotion. To capture UK student and graduate physiotherapists (1) knowledge of accepted guidelines and, (2) perceptions of physical activity and exercise prescription in practice. National cross-sectional online survey. A survey was conducted online among UK student and graduate physiotherapists from July to December 2021. Quantitative questions included dichotomous (yes/no), multiple-choice, and Likert scale (1-5) formats, alongside open-ended qualitative questions. Of 305 respondents (18% students, 47%>10 years' experience), 295 (97%) either "agreed" (n=64, 21%) or "strongly agreed" (n=231, 76%) that physical activity was a part of their role. Less than half felt the physiotherapy profession was able to provide effective physical activity (n=149, 49%, 95% confidence intervals 43 to 54) and aerobic training (130, 43%, 37 to 48). Most knew the weekly minimum adult dosage of physical activity (257, 84%, 80 to 88) and resistance training (267, 88%, 83 to 91) but were generally unable to correctly identify aerobic and resistance training guidelines. Of those who used evidenced based guidelines regularly with patients 72% were not adopting correct guidelines for aerobic (n=58, 72%, 61 to 80) and 46% for resistance training (n=45, 46%, 36 to 56). Limited patient appointment duration, inadequate access to facilities and a lack of continuous professional development opportunities were perceived barriers to implementation. Respondents agreed physical activity and exercise are vital treatment modalities, however many lack the knowledge to deliver these interventions in line with contemporary guidelines.

Capsular Stretches and Shoulder Mobility Exercises to Improve Range of Motion of Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Following Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation - A Case Report

The majority of patients will experience some post-traumatic stiffness following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, but this typically goes away on its own. Rarely do traumatic anterior shoulder instability result in secondary frozen shoulder. However, a tiny but expected percentage of patients who first have frozen shoulder may later experience secondary frozen shoulder, which causes pain and stiffness and slows rehabilitation. It's possible that this will happen after a period of shoulder immobilization, albeit the exact cause is still unknown. This case report details the results of professional physical therapy interventions used to treat secondary adhesive capsulitis after recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations using a conservative approach. This case study aimed to show how physical therapy can help people with secondary adhesive capsulitis restore, range of motion, strength and improve shoulder function.

National Study Examining Excellence and Value in Physical Therapist Residency Education: Part 2-A Call to Action.

This Perspective provides a crucial set of actions with corresponding recommendations aimed at propelling the physical therapy profession toward excellence in residency education. The conceptual model includes elements of excellence in the delivery and outcomes of physical therapist residency education and the domain of value experienced by stakeholders impacted by physical therapist residency education. Linked to the conceptual model, the 15 actions, and 28 recommendations draw from (1) the Physical Therapist Residency Excellence and Value (PT-REV) study, (2) the Physical Therapist Education for the 21st Century (PTE-21) study, and (3) research in the learning sciences. This paper proposes a transformative call for decisive and consistent reform directed toward residency programs, residents, sponsoring organizations, and the physical therapy profession. Physical therapist residency education, initiated over 23years ago, is no longer in its infancy with critical gaps in its maturation that need to be addressed systematically by stakeholders across the profession, thus improving the profession's ability to respond to changing societal needs. This Perspective serves as a call to action and provides specific recommendation for what is needed to promote and achieve excellence in physical therapist residency education to improve the professions' ability to adapt to changing societal needs.

Effect of integrated manual and verbal cueing on functional transfers in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled study

Purpose The profession of physical therapy has historically relied on manual facilitation to improve motor control strategies and performance in persons rehabilitating from a stroke, yet there is insufficient evidence to support its use during functional task training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of integrated cueing (verbal and manual) and verbal cueing approaches during sit-to-stand training on midline alignment & muscle activation in chronic stroke survivors. Methods Twenty-one chronic right-brained stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly assigned to the Integrated Cueing or Verbal Only group and outcome measures were recorded using an 18-Camera Motion Capture System, force plates, and surface electromyography (EMG). Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in symmetry toward the midline after thirty training repetitions. Significant improvements in muscle activation were found in two muscle groups on the affected side of the body in the Integrated Cueing group, gastrocnemius and rectus femoris. Conclusion Both the Verbal Only and Integrated Cueing groups made significant progress toward more symmetrical movement, yet more significant changes in the activation of hemiparetic extensor muscles were seen in the Integrated Cueing group. These findings support the use of manual cueing in movement activation and performance during the training of functional tasks. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHAB Physical therapists commonly use manual tactile cues to facilitate movement performance but there is currently insufficient evidence to support this use with stroke survivors. In a relatively small sample size, both verbal cues and integrated cues (verbal plus manual) improved symmetry during sit to stand in chronic right brain stroke survivors. Integrated cueing enhanced motor activation and performance during sit to stand better than verbal cues alone. Manual tactile cueing should be considered during functional task retraining.

Physiotherapists working with pessaries

Pessaries and the physiotherapy profession have evolved over the past 10 years, and pelvic health physiotherapists can now prescribe vaginal pessaries. Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) is developing ways to support members with these skills. Globally, up to 50% of women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (Carroll et al. 2022), and this condition costs the UK National Health Service £45 million every year (PCWHF 2019). The most common symptom is a vaginal bulge. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend either doing nothing, or pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs), vaginal pessaries or surgery (NICE 2019). Pessary services are provided in dedicated clinics, usually in general practice or secondary care. There has been an increase in physiotherapists delivering pessary care over the past decade: in 2013, it was reported that 1.4% were part of the pessary workforce compared to 5% in 2020 (Bugge et al. 2013; Brown et al. 2021). Currently, ineffective patient pathways, poor service provision and lack of training are barriers to treatment. Poorly designed patient pathways are frustrating, and women are often required to return to primary or secondary care to get a referral to a pessary clinic. Physiotherapists are well placed to offer a pessary alongside PFMEs since it is part of the range of conservative treatment options. They also build strong a rapport with their patients because of the therapeutic nature of the treatment sessions, and typically, offer longer appointments than postnatal period. A prospective multicentre trial demonstrated the acceptability of and compliance with using a pessary immediately after childbirth irrespective of any pelvic floor dysfunction or mode of delivery (Baessler et al. 2019). The majority of women used the pessary to treat the symptoms of POP. Further work is required to investigate pessary use and the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction in this cohort of women. The results of the TOPSY [Treatment Of Prolapse with Self-care pessarY] trial (Hagen et al. 2023) highlighted that pessary self-management is cost-effective and reduces complications. This is excellent news because physiotherapists are well placed to teach women pessary self-management because of: generally longer appointments; and the well-established rapport built up over time while teaching PFMEs. Despite women reporting that pessary use during exercise relieves their symptoms, this is an under-researched area. The impact of exercise on POP, and whether there are any protective factors involved that prevent its progression, are not fully understood. There also remains a gap in the evidence with regard to the use of PFMEs and vaginal pessaries. Research proposals are currently in development to address this. A pessary course is being developed by POGP, and this will be launched in 2024 alongside a mentoring programme as part of the pessary accreditation scheme jointly written with the United Kingdom Continence Society. Further governance documents have been created by the Physiotherapists Working with Pessaries subgroup of POGP, including a standard operating procedure, emergency out-of-hours statement, note proformas and template letters (POGP 2024).

Physical Therapy Comes to British Columbia, Canada: Modernity, Movement, and the Press for the Professional Regulation of Purposive Exercise in the Early 20th Century

This article explores the early roots of physical therapy as a professional field of expertise in British Columbia during the first decades of the twentieth century. It points to the importance of Pehr Henrik Ling's earlier work at the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in Sweden and traces the movement of Ling trained female gymnasts and physiotherapists to Canada and their role in the development of rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers returning from WW1, first in Ontario and Quebec and later in British Columbia. We trace the efforts of a small group of female physiotherapists in British Columbia to engage with an emergent female-dominated profession of physiotherapy in Canada while aligning with and remaining firmly linked to the authority of the male dominated medical profession. In this sense, women were both winners and losers in their efforts to gain access to and control over early developments in Canadian physical therapy.

Extent and Pattern of Physiotherapy Profession: A pilot Study

Question: What is the level of awareness and understanding of the Physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India? Objective: To evaluate the general awareness of the physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Design: A cross-sectional survey and qualitative analysis of multiple-choice responses. Participants and Methods: In this pilot study total responses 250 and participants were randomly selected from the general public in areas of Delhi NCR were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with MS office and SPSS. Results: In this study there were 250 respondents, out of them 121 (48%) were males and 129 (52%) were females. Out of total participants only 1% were illiterate and 99% were literate. 88% of the respondents were aware of the term ‘physiotherapy’ and 12% had never heard about it. 52% had the knowledge of a physiotherapist’s qualifications and 49% had knowledge of various physiotherapy services. Lack of awareness and knowledge was thought to be the main cause behind why people do not access physical therapy services, followed by the perception that it is all about massage and lastly that it is just for the elderly population, with figures 67%, 22% and 11%, respectively. Conclusion: The study’s participants had moderate level of awareness and positive belief regarding physiotherapy. The findings suggested that there is still a need to increase the awareness of the role of a physiotherapist among the general population so that its maximum potential can be tapped.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion-Related Curricular Elements in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: A Delphi Study.

The purpose of this Delphi study was to determine whether experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of physical therapy could achieve consensus on the key JEDI-related curricular content topics to be included in entry-level physical therapist education. Inequities exist at all levels of health care for historically underserved populations, including referrals, access, and quality of physical therapy services. The physical therapy field is facing challenges and opportunities in how to best prepare providers to address individual, community, and population health inequities. There is a lack of consensus in physical therapist education regarding essential curricular content related to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism. Eighty-four experts in JEDI in the physical therapy profession were invited through email to participate in the Delphi process. A Delphi survey brought together 39 identified experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of physical therapy to reach consensus on key JEDI-related curricular topics in physical therapist education. In the first-round survey, participants answered an open-ended question: "What JEDI-related curricular content should be included in entry-level physical therapist education?" The work team coded these free-text responses to populate an initial list of curricular elements. Over 2 subsequent rounds of surveys, the experts came to a consensus on which curricular elements should be addressed within physical therapist education. Nineteen experts completed all survey rounds. In round I, coding of the expert group's responses generated 61 initial JEDI-related curricular elements. By round III, the group refined the list to 43 curricular elements; 41 of the 43 (95%) elements garnered 94% or higher consensus. The expert group deemed 30 of the elements "entry-level" content and 13 as more "advanced practice" topics. Experts had a strong consensus on key JEDI-related curricular elements that physical therapist education programs should include to best prepare providers to improve the health of society. Future scholarship will explore recommendations for how physical therapist education programs might prioritize and implement JEDI-related content.

The Efficacy of a 6-month Pain Mentoring Program on Pain Knowledge, Beliefs, and Confidence within the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Abstract Background and Aim: Pain complaints are one of the primary reasons patients seek musculoskeletal care in the U. S. Veterans Health Administration. While research surrounding the pain experience has rapidly evolved, practicing clinicians often struggle to keep up with evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. The purpose of this project was to explore the efficacy of a 6-month education and mentoring program on physical therapist (PT) and PT assistant pain knowledge and confidence in providing evidence-based pain care. Materials and Methods: A 6-month education and mentoring program occurred across three sites with a focus on biopsychosocial pain care principles and treatment based on the mechanism-based classifications of pain. Data collection occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to include pain knowledge (revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire [rNPQ]), health-care attitudes and beliefs (Health Care Providers Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale [HC-PAIRS]), self-reported confidence addressing program objectives and self-reported satisfaction in assessing and treating patients with persistent pain. Results and Conclusion: Physical therapy professionals (n = 15) demonstrated improved scores on rNPQ and HC-PAIRS with medium effect size at 3 months (d = 0.57; d = 0.73) and 6 months (d = 0.71; d = 0.59). Self-reported confidence addressing program objectives demonstrated improvement across all 13 objectives from baseline to 3 months (0.8 mean diff) and 6 months (1.2 mean diff). The findings from this project support the efficacy of a 6-month education and mentorship program for improving pain knowledge, health-care attitudes and beliefs, and self-rated confidence and satisfaction in treating patients experiencing persistent pain among practicing physical therapy professionals.

A Survey of Practice and Factors Affecting Physiotherapist-Led Health Promotion for People at Risk or with Cardiovascular Disease in Cameroon.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and associated risk factors are a growing concern in Cameroon. Physiotherapists (PTs) can play a crucial role in prevention and management. However, the extent of Cameroonian PT involvement in health promotion (HP) activities remains unclear. This study assessed Cameroonian physiotherapists' current HP practices for people at risk of or with CVDs (pwCVDs). A cross-sectional survey was administered online to PTs practising in Cameroon. Out of 181 PT responses, 95% reported providing a variety of HP activities, including weight management (74%), dietary advice (73%), physical activity (69%), smoking cessation (69%), stress management (61%), and sleep promotion (48%). While PTs were confident in lifestyle assessments, they felt less confident about sleep interventions. Strong beliefs, confidence, team support, and time allocation enhanced HP practice. However, preference for passive modalities, patient adherence issues, organisational challenges, role ambiguity among healthcare providers, inadequate training opportunities, and the absence of established guidelines for CVD prevention negatively affect HP practice. These findings highlight the challenges and opportunities for enhancing HP delivery within the physiotherapy profession in Cameroon. The findings are useful for future strategies by clinical practitioners and policy makers to address barriers and leverage facilitators effectively for scaling up HP initiatives in Cameroon.

Physical therapists’ perceptions and attitudes towards artificial intelligence in healthcare and rehabilitation: A qualitative study

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being introduced to rehabilitation practices, and it can optimize the patient's outcome through their ability to design personalized care strategies and interventions. To understand the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapy professionals on the use of AI in rehabilitation in regard to treatment planning, diagnosis, outcome prediction, and advantages and disadvantages. This paper followed an exploratory, qualitative research design. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with participants of different experience levels and specialties in physical therapy. Results were evaluated using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (i) perceptions of AI and its applications in healthcare services, (ii) impact on the workforce (iii) considerations around implementing AI within rehabilitation and (iv) AI, and the fast-approaching future. Participants shared views on the potential impact of AI on rehabilitation practices, such as aiding the decision-making process, saving time and effort of both the therapist and patients. Participants have stressed on potential pitfalls that still need to be considered, such as patient data privacy, potential loss of patient-healthcare practitioner relationship, ethical concerns regarding overreliance on these applications and how that might hinder effective patient care. The findings add to the literature about physical therapists' understanding regarding the use of AI in patient care. Several concerns were raised to the adoption of AI, including concerns about patient privacy, and ethical concerns. Based on the study findings, researchers emphasize the importance of establishing guidelines when incorporating AI in rehabilitation to improve the therapist's knowledge and skills.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related, Non-Specific Low Back Pain Among Physiotherapists in Ahmedabad City

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is the major public health problem across the world. Physiotherapy professionals are more prone to work related LBP because they are linked to major physical efforts such as transfers and patient handling manoeuvres, uncomfortable or prolonged working positions, trunk flexion and rotation movements and reactions to a fall or unexpected movement by the patient. LBP is a multifactorial condition. Various factors like, personal, biomechanical, psychosocial and organisational are associated with work related LBP among physiotherapists. Methodology: A link to an online self-questionnaire was sent to physiotherapists working in Ahmedabad city since last 12 months. The various patterns of practice were compared with regard to the prevalence of LBP, the total number of days with LBP during last 12 months, and the degree of exposure to organisational, biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors. Results: The result was carried out by using Microsoft excel. Results showed that there is 95% prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists specifically, those working since last 12 months. The mean score of NPRS was 7. Conclusion: There is significant prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Ahmedabad city. Keywords: physiotherapists, work-related, low back pain, Ahmedabad city

Impact of evidence-based pedagogical approach on clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students

Abstract Background: Various educational methods have been used by professional physical therapy teachers for their students. Since physical therapy includes both theory and practical, students may need to critically think about each patient’s intervention based on the stage of their illness. It is necessary to teach and assess students’ clinical reasoning abilities, so as to deal with the patients. The aim of the study was to find the impact of evidence-based pedagogical approach on clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in our institution and it was a pre- and post-test experimental study design. Forty students in their 3rd year of undergraduate physical therapy (BPT) degree program were randomly assigned to experimental group (evidence-based pedagogical approach, n = 20) and to control group (traditional pedagogical approach, n = 20). They were assessed with Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR), clinical reasoning assessment tool (CRAT) (3 domains), and multiple-choice test, at the baseline and after 4 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test. Results: Experimental group showed a significant difference in SACRR (t = 3.4446, P < 0.05), CRAT (Content knowledge and Conceptual reasoning domains showed significant differences with t = 3.2110; 2.7973, P<0.05, but Procedural knowledge domain was not significant with t = 0.7791, P<0.05), and multiple-choice test (t = 5.8538, P < 0.05) scores than the control group. Conclusions: The use of evidence-based pedagogical approach may be more effective than the traditional pedagogical approach for improving clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students.

Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency: Development of an ICU Knowledge and Skills Assessment Tool

BackgroundPhysical therapy for patients in the ICU is advanced practice demanding specialized knowledge and skills. However, ICU physical therapy competency standards lack uniformity or defined processes. ObjectivesTo describe the development process of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency and to assess its face and content validity. MethodsQuantitative research study for the content validation of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency using a panel of experts. The face validity assessment consisted of two informal surveys and discussions with clinicians representing various disciplines in ICU. Main Outcome MeasuresA content validation survey included analysis of sufficiency, clarity, coherence, and relevance for items in the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency. For the quantitative analysis of content validity, the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was used. Scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) was calculated as the proportion of items on the scale that achieve a relevance scale of 3 or 4 by all experts. Scale-level content validity index was calculated based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave). ResultsThe sufficiency, clarity, coherence, and relevance of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency items presented S-CVI/Ave greater than 80 % (97 %, 97 %, 99 %, 95 %, respectively). ConclusionThis study establishes that the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency has a satisfactory level of face and content validity. Implications for clinical practiceThe Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency, with its solid framework, is a valuable assessment tool applicable for integration in any ICU competency program. It can be utilized as a self-assessment tool by individual therapists or in collaboration with mentors and evaluators to evaluate knowledge and skills effectively. This innovative tool not only enhances clinical practice but also presents an opportunity for advancing the physical therapy profession within the ICU setting.