Multifaceted strategies may increase implementation of physiotherapy clinical guidelines: a systematic review

Effectiveness of implementation strategies for increasing clinicians' use of five validated imaging decision rules for musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Strategies to enhance clinicians' adherence to validated imaging decision rules and increase the appropriateness of imaging remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of various implementation strategies for increasing clinicians' use of five validated imaging decision rules (Ottawa Ankle Rules, Ottawa Knee Rule, Canadian C-Spine Rule, National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study and Canadian Computed Tomography Head Rule).

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were experimental, quasi-experimental study designs comprising randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled trials, and single-arm trials (i.e. prospective observational studies) of implementation interventions in any care setting. The search encompassed electronic databases up to March 11, 2024, including MEDLINE (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias of studies independently using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Group (EPOC) risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was clinicians' use of decision rules. Secondary outcomes included imaging use (indicated, non-indicated and overall) and knowledge of the rules.

RESULTS

We included 22 studies (5-RCTs, 1-non-RCT and 16-single-arm trials), conducted in emergency care settings in six countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Ireland and France). One RCT suggested that reminders may be effective at increasing clinicians' use of Ottawa Ankle Rules but may also increase the use of ankle radiography. Two RCTs that combined multiple intervention strategies showed mixed results for ankle imaging and head CT use. One combining educational meetings and materials on Ottawa Ankle Rules reduced ankle injury imaging among ED physicians, while another, with similar efforts plus clinical practice guidelines and reminders for the Canadian CT Head Rule, increased CT imaging for head injuries. For knowledge, one RCT suggested that distributing guidelines had a limited short-term impact but improved clinicians' long-term knowledge of the Ottawa Ankle Rules.

CONCLUSION

Interventions such as pop-up reminders, educational meetings, and posters may improve adherence to the Ottawa Ankle Rules, Ottawa Knee Rule, and Canadian CT Head Rule. Reminders may reduce non-indicated imaging for knee and ankle injuries. The uncertain quality of evidence indicates the need for well-conducted RCTs to establish effectiveness of implementation strategies.

Becoming confidently competent: a qualitative investigation of training in cognitive functional therapy for persistent low back pain

BACKGROUND

Physiotherapists trained to deliver biopsychosocial interventions for complex musculoskeletal pain problems often report difficulties in confidence and competency at the end of training. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is an individualized biopsychosocial intervention and understanding the facilitators and barriers to training in CFT will help inform future training programs. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists' and trainers' perceptions of the process of developing competency in CFT.

METHODS

A cross-sectional qualitative design using interviews of 18 physiotherapists and two trainers investigated training in CFT for persistent LBP via reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Physiotherapists reported undergoing a complex behavior change process during training. Four themes emerged: 1) Pre-training factors; 2) Behavior change process; 3) Physiotherapy culture and context; and 4) Confident competence and beyond. Key components included graduated practice exposure linked to experiential learning with feedback and clear competency guidelines. Pre-training and contextual factors were facilitators or barriers depending on the individual. Physiotherapists supported ongoing learning, even after competency was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the processes of change during progress toward competency in CFT. It highlights facilitators and barriers to competency including physiotherapy culture and the clinical environment. The study also describes important educational components, including experiential learning and clinical integration, which may be used to inform future post-graduate training.

Process evaluation of an implementation intervention to facilitate the use of the Swedish Physical Activity on Prescription in primary healthcare

BACKGROUND

The Swedish Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP-S) is a method for healthcare to promote physical activity for prevention and treatment of health disorders. Despite scientific support and education campaigns, the use has been low. The aim of this study was to perform a process evaluation of an implementation intervention targeting the use of the PAP-S method in primary healthcare (PHC). Specifically, we wanted to evaluate feasibility of the implementation intervention, and its effect on the implementation process and the outcome (number of PAP-S prescriptions).

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study using the Medical Research Council guidance for process evaluation of a 9-month implementation intervention among healthcare staff at three PHC centres in Sweden. Data was collected by: participatory observations of the implementation process; questionnaires to the staff before, after and 6 months after the implementation intervention; interviews after the implementation intervention; and number of PAP-S prescriptions.

RESULTS

During the implementation intervention, the workplaces' readiness-to-change and the healthcare staff's confidence in using the PAP-S method were favourably influenced, as was the number of PAP-S prescriptions. After the implementation intervention, the number of PAP-S prescriptions decreased to about the same number as before the implementation intervention, at two out of three PHC centres. Four of the six implementation strategies appeared to impact on the implementation process: external facilitation; leadership engagement by a committed workplace management; local PAP-S coordinator taking a leading role and acting as local champion; educational outreach concerning how to use the PAP-S method.

CONCLUSION

The implementation intervention was not sufficient to produce sustained change of the healthcare staff's behaviour, nor did it achieve favourable long-term outcome on the number of PAP-S prescriptions. The healthcare staffs' sparse knowledge of the PAP-S method prior to the implementation intervention hampered the implementation. More hands-on education in how to use the PAP-S method introduced early in the implementation process is imperative for successful implementation of the PAP-S method. The findings also suggest that committed workplace management and local PAP-S coordinators, taking leading roles and acting as local champions, need to be firmly established at the PHC centres before the external facilitator withdraws.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in the ISRCTN registry with study registration number: ISRCTN15551042 (Registration date: 12/01/2016).

Sexual Rehabilitation After a Stroke: A Multi-site Qualitative Study About Influencing Factors and Strategies to Improve Services

This study aimed to better understand the factors influencing the provision of sexuality-related post-stroke rehabilitation services by clinicians on different sites and to explore strategies to improve post-stroke rehabilitation services with stakeholders. A qualitative study with co-design methods was conducted with 20 clinicians from five post-stroke rehabilitation centers in Canada, 1 manager and 1 patient-partner. Participants either took part in a focus group or in sessions of an adapted version of the LEGO Serious Play method to explore influencing factors and strategies of improvement in relation to post-stroke sexual rehabilitation services. Thematic analysis was conducted semi-deductively using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) system and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). A total of twenty factors pertaining either to the categories of Capability (n = 8; e.g., Sexual rehabilitation procedural knowledge), Motivation (n = 4; e.g., Professional boundaries) or Opportunity (n = 8; e.g., Workload) were perceived as influencing provision of sexual rehabilitation services by participants. A theoretical model was conceptualized. Strategies (n = 10) were categorized in concordance with the BCW as Training (n = 1), Enablement (n = 5) or Environmental restructuring (n = 4). This study showed that factors influencing provision of post-stroke rehabilitation services were numerous and interrelated, and that various strategies aiming either clinicians or the rehabilitation environment would be relevant to improve services. This study will help guide the design and implementation of future interventions studies aiming at improving post-stroke sexual rehabilitation services.

Developing spinal cord injury physiotherapy clinical practice guidelines: a qualitative study to determine how physiotherapists and people living with spinal cord injury use evidence

STUDY DESIGN

Generic qualitative design.

OBJECTIVES

Australian and New Zealand SCI physiotherapists are developing clinical practice guidelines for the physiotherapy management of people living with spinal cord injury. To guide the development of the guidelines it was important to understand how physiotherapists and people living with spinal cord injury use evidence to choose interventions and the potential barriers and facilitators to the uptake of the clinical practice guidelines.

SETTING

Spinal Cord Injury Centres in Sydney, Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

Focus groups and interviews with physiotherapists and people living with spinal cord injury were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 75 participants took part in the study, 45 physiotherapists and 30 people living with spinal cord injury. Three main themes were identified from the data: (1) Types and sources of evidence that influence treatment choices, (2) the many factors determining treatment choices, and (3) ways in which clinical practice guidelines could influence treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical practice guidelines have the potential to reduce the barriers identified by physiotherapists in accessing and interpreting research evidence on interventions for people living with spinal cord injury. Supported implementation of guidelines is required to demonstrate their benefit and encourage physiotherapists to factor in evidence when balancing the multiple factors influencing choice of physiotherapy intervention.

A scoping review of theories used to investigate clinician adherence to clinical practice guidelines

BACKGROUND

Routine utilization of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is an effective strategy to optimize patient care and reduce practice variation. Healthcare professionals' failure to adhere to CPGs introduces risks to both patients and the sustainability of healthcare systems. The integration of theory to investigate adherence provides greater insight into the often complex reasons for suboptimal behaviors.

AIM

To determine the coverage of literature surrounding the use of theory in studies of CPG adherence, report the key findings and identify the knowledge gaps.

METHOD

In April 2021, three bibliographic databases were searched for studies published since January 2010, adopting theory to investigate health professionals' adherence to CPGs. Two reviewers independently screened the articles for eligibility and charted the data. A narrative approach to synthesis was employed.

RESULTS

The review includes 12 articles. Studies were limited to primarily investigations of physicians, quantitative designs, single disease states and few countries. The use of behavioral theories facilitated pooling of data of barriers and facilitators of adherence. The domains and constructs of a number of the reported theories are captured within the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); the most common barriers aligned with the TDF domain of environmental context and resources, fewer studies reported facilitators.

CONCLUSION

There is emerging use of behavioral theories investigating physicians' adherence to CPGs. Although limited in number, these studies present specific insight into common barriers and facilitators, thus providing valuable evidence for refining existing and future implementation strategies. Similar investigations of other health professionals are warranted.

Structured implementation of digital, systematically updated guideline recommendations for enhanced adherence in schizophrenia (SISYPHOS)—protocol of a cluster-randomized trial

Background

Despite high acceptance rates in the field, the implementation of the 2019 published German evidence and consensus-based S3 guideline is unsatisfactory. This study aims to assess the superiority of an adaptive online version with a better visualization of the recommendations in terms of guideline conformity, application of shared decision making, and digital health expertise compared to the classic pdf print version of the guideline.

Methods

The study is a multicenter, controlled, cluster-randomized trial with two arms: one arm investigating the implementation of the German schizophrenia guideline in form of a digital format (intervention group using the evidence ecosystem MAGICapp), the other arm in form of the classic print pdf version (control group). Physicians and psychologists working in specialized hospitals will be included in the study. The guideline-knowledge before and after the intervention is defined as primary outcome measure. Secondary endpoints include digital health expertise and application of shared decision making.

Discussion

This is the first study evaluating if an adaptive-digital version of the schizophrenia guideline is superior to the classic pdf print version. Therefore, the guideline is digitally prepared in the evidence-ecosystem MAGICapp, which covers the whole process of the development of a living guideline. We intend to use the results of the cluster-randomized trial for developing the German S3 guideline for schizophrenia in form of a living guideline in future.

Trial registration

The study is registered (10 May 2022) in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) under registration number DRKS00028895.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06749-0.

Tailored GuideLine Implementation in STrokE Rehabilitation (GLISTER) in Germany. Protocol of a Mixed Methods Study Using the Behavior Change Wheel and the Theoretical Domains Framework

Objective

Evidence-based guidelines are important for informing clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes. There is inconsistent usage of guidelines among physical therapists involved in stroke rehabilitation, suggesting the existence of a gap between theory and practice. Addressing the German guideline "evidence-based rehabilitation of mobility after stroke (ReMoS)," the aims of this project are (1) to describe the current physical therapy practice within the context of stroke rehabilitation in Germany, (2) to evaluate barriers and facilitators of guideline usage, (3) to develop, and (4) to pilot test a theory-based, tailored implementation intervention for the benefit of guideline recommendations.

Materials and Methods

This study uses a stepwise mixed methods approach for implementing a local guideline. A self-reported online questionnaire will be used to survey the current physical therapy practice in stroke rehabilitation. The same survey and systematic-mixed methods review will be used to evaluate the barriers and facilitators of guideline usage quantitatively. Semi-structured interviews will add a qualitative perspective on factors that influence ReMoS guideline implementation. The Behavior Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework will be used to support the development of a tailored implementation intervention which will be pilot tested in a controlled study. Patient and physical therapy-related outcomes, as well as the appropriateness, such as acceptance and feasibility of the tailored implementation intervention, will be analyzed.

Conclusion

This will be the first endeavor to implement a guideline in German stroke rehabilitation with a focus on changing care provider behavior based on the knowledge of current practice and determining factors using a tailored and theory-based intervention.

Does the implementation of clinical practice guidelines for low back and neck pain by physical therapists improve patient outcomes? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Physical therapy for neck and low back pain is highly variable despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). This review aimed to determine the impact of CPG implementation on patient-level outcomes for spinal pain. Implementation strategies were also examined to determine prevalence and potential impact.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched through April 2021 for studies assessing CPG implementation in physical therapy for neck and low back pain. Articles were screened for eligibility. The Modified Downs and Black checklist was utilized to determine study quality. Due to the heterogeneity between studies, a meta-analysis was not performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included in this review. Implementation strategies were significantly varied between studies. Outcomes pertaining to healthcare utilization, pain, and physical functioning were assessed in relation to the implementation of CPGs. Multiple implementation strategies were identified, with Managing Quality as the most frequently utilized key implementation process. Findings indicate CPG implementation decreased healthcare utilization, but inconsistent results were found with physical functioning and pain outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

CPG implementation appears to have a beneficial effect on healthcare utilization outcomes, but may not impact pain and physical functioning outcomes. Effective CPG implementation strategies remain unknown, though utilizing implementation framework may improve outcomes. More research is needed to determine the most effective implementation strategies and effects on pain and physical function outcomes.

Implementation strategies for knowledge products in primary healthcare: a systematic review of systematic reviews (Preprint)

Background

The underuse or overuse of knowledge products leads to waste in health care, and primary care is no exception.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize which knowledge products are frequently implemented, the implementation strategies used in primary care, and the implementation outcomes that are measured.

Methods

We performed a systematic review (SR) of SRs using the Cochrane systematic approach to include eligible SRs. The inclusion criteria were any primary care contexts, health care professionals and patients, any Effective Practice and Organization of Care implementation strategies of specified knowledge products, any comparators, and any implementation outcomes based on the Proctor framework. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ovid PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to October 2019 without any restrictions. We searched the references of the included SRs. Pairs of reviewers independently performed selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment by using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2. Data extraction was informed by the Effective Practice and Organization of Care taxonomy for implementation strategies and the Proctor framework for implementation outcomes. We performed a descriptive analysis and summarized the results by using a narrative synthesis.

Results

Of the 11,101 records identified, 81 (0.73%) SRs were included. Of these 81, a total of 47 (58%) SRs involved health care professionals alone. Moreover, 15 SRs had a high or moderate methodological quality. Most of them addressed 1 type of knowledge product (56/81, 69%), common clinical practice guidelines (26/56, 46%) or management, and behavioral or pharmacological health interventions (24/56, 43%). Mixed strategies were used for implementation (67/81, 83%), predominantly education-based (meetings in 60/81, 74%; materials distribution in 59/81, 73%; and academic detailing in 45/81, 56%), reminder (53/81, 36%), and audit and feedback (40/81, 49%) strategies. Education meetings (P=.13) and academic detailing (P=.11) seemed to be used more when the population was composed of health care professionals alone. Improvements in the adoption of knowledge products were the most commonly measured outcome (72/81, 89%). The evidence level was reported in 12% (10/81) of SRs on 62 outcomes (including 48 improvements in adoption), of which 16 (26%) outcomes were of moderate or high level.

Conclusions

Clinical practice guidelines and management and behavioral or pharmacological health interventions are the most commonly implemented knowledge products and are implemented through the mixed use of educational, reminder, and audit and feedback strategies. There is a need for a strong methodology for the SR of randomized controlled trials to explore their effectiveness and the entire cascade of implementation outcomes.

Strategies for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in public health: an overview of systematic reviews

Background

As a source of readily available evidence, rigorously synthesized and interpreted by expert clinicians and methodologists, clinical guidelines are part of an evidence-based practice toolkit, which, transformed into practice recommendations, have the potential to improve both the process of care and patient outcomes. In Brazil, the process of development and updating of the clinical guidelines for the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) is already well systematized by the Ministry of Health. However, the implementation process of those guidelines has not yet been discussed and well structured. Therefore, the first step of this project and the primary objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of strategies used to promote clinical practice guideline implementation and dissemination.

Methods

This overview used systematic review methodology to locate and evaluate published systematic reviews regarding strategies for clinical practice guideline implementation and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review (PRISMA).

Results

This overview identified 36 systematic reviews regarding 30 strategies targeting healthcare organizations, healthcare providers and patients to promote guideline implementation. The most reported interventions were educational materials, educational meetings, reminders, academic detailing and audit and feedback. Care pathways—single intervention, educational meeting—single intervention, organizational culture, and audit and feedback—both strategies implemented in combination with others—were strategies categorized as generally effective from the systematic reviews. In the meta-analyses, when used alone, organizational culture, educational intervention and reminders proved to be effective in promoting physicians' adherence to the guidelines. When used in conjunction with other strategies, organizational culture also proved to be effective. For patient-related outcomes, education intervention showed effective results for disease target results at a short and long term.

Conclusion

This overview provides a broad summary of the best evidence on guideline implementation. Even if the included literature highlights the various limitations related to the lack of standardization, the methodological quality of the studies, and especially the lack of conclusion about the superiority of one strategy over another, the summary of the results provided by this study provides information on strategies that have been most widely studied in the last few years and their effectiveness in the context in which they were applied. Therefore, this panorama can support strategy decision-making adequate for SUS and other health systems, seeking to positively impact on the appropriate use of guidelines, healthcare outcomes and the sustainability of the SUS.

Measuring evidence-based practice in physical therapy: a mix-methods study

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered the "holy grail" to manage patients by health practitioners (such as physical therapists). However, sometimes, patients are not treated with the best interventions for their condition. Although studies already explored the facilitators and barriers for this issue, they increase in the level of importance if the information gathered are context appropriated. As the profession is relatively new in Portugal, currently little is known about the implementation of EBP in Portuguese physical therapists context. So, the aim of this study is to know if the Portuguese physical therapists use an EBP, and collect and deeper understand the factors, barriers and facilitators associated with EBP.

METHODS

This study incorporated a mixed-methods design (quantitative and qualitative). In an attempt to ensure the correct population sample, a national professional association e-mail database and the e-mails of past students from national schools were requested. For the quantitative data it was choose an e-survey, adapted from the EBP: Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors of Physical Therapists Portuguese version questionnaire, consisted of 55 close-ended questions. It was analyzed response frequencies and associations between variables with logistic regression analyses. For the qualitative data, it was choose to perform semi-structured interviews in purposefully selected physical therapists to include different sociodemographic factors (especially those found to be statistically significant in the logistic regression) and survey responses regarding the physical therapists' beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. The interviews were performed in an online software, where only audio contact was performed. The audios were anonymized and verbatim transcribed, and the texts explored by the thematic approach.

RESULTS

From the 277 physical therapists that shown interest in participating in the study, 193 fully completed the questionnaire and, from those, 10 participated in the interviews. The Portuguese physical therapists reported positive beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding EBP. Among the physical therapists characteristics it seems that age (younger therapists), education (participating in continuing education courses; belonging to practice-orientated organizations; having a doctorate degree; pursuing a higher academic degree; and being a clinical instructor), and workplace (working for someone else account; and academic sector) are the main factors in the Portuguese EBP implementation. The Portuguese physical therapists, beyond the physical therapists individual characteristics and workplace, also stated that evidence, patients, clinical experience, schools, country and physical therapy characteristics, may behave as facilitators or barriers when performing an EBP.

Use and effects of implementation strategies for practice guidelines in nursing: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Practice guidelines can reduce variations in nursing practice and improve patient care. However, implementation of guidelines is complex and inconsistent in practice. It is unclear which strategies are effective at implementing guidelines in nursing. This review aimed to describe the use and effects of implementation strategies to facilitate the uptake of guidelines focused on nursing care.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of five electronic databases in addition to the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) Group specialized registry. Studies were included if implementation of a practice guideline in nursing and process or outcome of care provided by nurses were reported. Two reviewers independently screened studies, assessed study quality, extracted data, and coded data using the EPOC taxonomy of implementation strategies. For those strategies not included in the EPOC taxonomy, we inductively categorized these strategies and generated additional categories. We conducted a narrative synthesis to analyze results.

RESULTS

The search identified 46 papers reporting on 41 studies. Thirty-six studies used a combination of educational materials and educational meetings. Review findings show that multicomponent implementation strategies that include educational meetings, in combination with other educational strategies, report positive effects on professional practice outcomes, professional knowledge outcomes, patient health status outcomes, and resource use/expenditures. Twenty-three of the 41 studies employed implementation strategies not listed within the EPOC taxonomy, including adaptation of practice guidelines to local context (n = 9), external facilitation (n = 14), and changes to organizational policy (n = 3). These implementation strategies also corresponded with positive trends in patient, provider, and health system outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing guideline implementation may benefit from using the identified implementation strategies described in this review, including participatory approaches such as facilitation, adaptation of guidelines, and organizational policy changes. Further research is needed to understand how different implementation strategy components work in a nursing context and to what effect. As the field is still emerging, future reviews should also explore guideline implementation strategies in nursing in quasi or non-experimental research designs and qualitative research studies.

Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation: Perception and Experience of Austrian Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Students

The rehabilitation needs of COVID-19 survivors are increasingly recognized, with a focus on combating respiratory and neuromuscular dysfunctions. The aim here was to explore the perception of Austrian physiotherapists and physiotherapy students on post-COVID-19 rehabilitation care and to identify barriers for the application of sufficient rehabilitation. We analysed current knowledge and practical skills in respiratory physiotherapy, performing a cross-sectional national survey among physiotherapists working in outpatient settings and physiotherapy students in their last academic year of bachelor-level education in Austria. Out of 255 survey participants, one-third already had inquiries to treat post-COVID-19 patients, and the majority of respondents expected a further increased inflow of patients with rehabilitation needs (64.2%). Only 11.2% of respondents reported feeling sufficiently informed about post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. A total of 68.2% of students and up to 48.1% of physiotherapists favoured a COVID-19-specific adaptation already in the basic academic education, and 74.1% of survey participants indicated interest in attending specific training. Concerning respiratory physiotherapy, our data showed discrepancies between the estimation of the importance of specific examination and treatment techniques and the level of current experience. There is a clear lack of experience in implementing effective device-based respiratory therapy. Our data indicate an urgent need to develop new education and training programs with a focus on the interdisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Effectiveness and Quality of Implementing a Best Practice Model of Care for Low Back Pain (BetterBack) Compared with Routine Care in Physiotherapy: A Hybrid Type 2 Trial

Low back pain (LBP) occurs in all ages and first-line treatment by physiotherapists is common. The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a best practice model of care for LBP (intervention group—BetterBack☺ MoC) compared to routine physiotherapy care (control group) regarding longitudinal patient reported outcomes. The BetterBack☺ MoC contains clinical guideline recommendations and support tools to facilitate clinician adherence to guidelines. A secondary exploratory aim was to compare patient outcomes based on the fidelity of fulfilling a clinical practice quality index regarding physiotherapist care. A stepped cluster randomized design nested patients with LBP in the three clusters which were allocated to control (n = 203) or intervention (n = 264). Patient reported measures were collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months and analyzed with mixed model regression. The primary outcome was between-group changes from baseline to 3 months for pain intensity and disability. Implementation of the BetterBack☺ MoC did not show any between-group differences in the primary outcomes compared with routine care. However, the intervention group showed significantly higher satisfaction at 3 months and clinically meaningful greater improvement in LBP illness perception at 3 months and quality of life at 3 and 6 months but not in patient enablement and global impression of change compared with the control group. Physiotherapists’ care that adhered to all clinical practice quality indices resulted in an improvement of most patient reported outcomes with a clinically meaningful greater improved LBP illness perception at 3 months and quality of life at 3 and 6 months, significantly greater improvement in LBP illness perception, pain and satisfaction at 3 and 6 months and significantly better enablement at all time points as well as better global improvement outcomes at 3 months compared with non-adherent care. This highlights the importance of clinical guideline based primary care for improving patient reported LBP outcomes.

Implementation of national childbirth guidelines in Brazil: barriers and strategies

The present report describes the process and results obtained with a knowledge translation project developed in three stages to identify barriers to the Implementation of the National Guidelines for Normal Childbirth in Brazil, as well strategies for effective implementation. The Improving Programme Implementation through Embedded Research (iPIER) model and the Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials (SUPPORT) tools provided the methodological framework for the project. In the first stage, the quality of the Guidelines was evaluated and the barriers preventing implementation of the recommendations were identified through review of the global evidence and analysis of contributions obtained in a public consultation process. In the second stage, an evidence synthesis was used as the basis for a deliberative dialogue aimed at prioritizing the barriers identified. Finally, a second evidence synthesis was presented in a new deliberative dialogue to discuss six options to address the prioritized barriers: 1) promote the use of multifaceted interventions; 2) promote educational interventions for the adoption of guidelines; 3) perform audits and provide feedback to adjust professional practice; 4) use reminders to mediate the interaction between workers and service users; 5) enable patient-mediated interventions; and 6) engage opinion leaders to promote use of the Guidelines. The processes and results associated with each stage were documented and formulated to inform a review and update of the Guidelines and the development of an implementation plan for the recommendations. Effective implementation of the Guidelines is important for improving the care provided during labor and childbirth in Brazil.

[Implementation of the National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil: barriers and trategiesObstáculos y estrategias para la aplicación de las Directrices Nacionales para el Parto Normal en el Brasil]

The present report describes the process and results obtained with a knowledge translation project developed in three stages to identify barriers to the National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil as well strategies for effective implementation. The Improving Programme Implementation through Embedded Research (iPIER) model and the Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials (SUPPORT) tools provided the methodological framework for the project. In the first stage, the quality of the Guidelines was evaluated and the barriers preventing implementation of the recommendations were identified through review of the global evidence and analysis of contributions obtained in a public consultation process. In the second stage, an evidence synthesis was used as basis for a deliberative dialogue aimed at prioritizing the barriers identified. Finally, a second evidence synthesis was presented in a new deliberative dialogue to discuss six options to address the prioritized barriers: 1) promote the use of multifaceted interventions; 2) promote educational interventions for the adoption of guidelines; 3) perform audits and provide feedback to adjust professional practice; 4) use reminders to mediate the interaction between workers and service users; 5) enable patient-mediated interventions; and 6) engage opinion leaders to promote the use of guidelines. The processes and results associated with each stage were documented and formulated to inform a review and update of the Guidelines and the development of an implementation plan for the recommendations. An effective implementation of the Guidelines is relevant to improve the care provided during labor and childbirth in Brazil.

Resolving the Burden of Low Back Pain in Military Service Members and Veterans (RESOLVE): Protocol for a Multisite Pragmatic Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Physical therapy (PT) is frequently used for the management of low back pain (LBP) within the US Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). However, variations in PT practice patterns and use of ineffective interventions lower the quality and increase the cost of care. Although adherence to the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) can improve the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of LBP care, PT CPG adherence remains below 50%. The Resolving the Burden of Low Back Pain in Military Service Members and Veterans (RESOLVE) trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an active PT CPG implementation strategy using an education, audit, and feedback model for reducing pain, disability, medication use, and cost of LBP care within the DOD and VA health care systems.

DESIGN

The RESOLVE trial will include 3,300 to 7,260 patients with LBP across three DOD and two VA medical facilities using a stepped-wedge study design. An education, audit, and feedback model will be used to encourage physical therapists to better adhere to the PT CPG recommendations. The Oswestry Disability Index and the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale will be used as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include the LBP-related medication use, medical resource utilization, and biopsychosocial predictors of outcomes. Statistical analyses will be based on the intention-to-treat principle and will use linear mixed models to compare treatment conditions and examine the interactions between treatment and subgrouping status (e.g., limb loss).

SUMMARY

The RESOLVE trial will provide a pragmatic approach to evaluate whether better adherence to PT CPGs can reduce pain, disability, medication use, and LBP care cost within the DOD and VA health care systems.

Effectiveness of Implementation Strategies to Improve Adherence of Physical Therapist Treatment Choices to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Conditions: Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies aimed at improving the adherence of physical therapists' treatment choices to clinical practice guidelines for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

METHODS

For this review, searches were performed in several databases combining terms synonymous with "practice patterns" and "physical therapy" until August 2019. The review included randomized controlled trials that investigated any intervention to improve the adherence of physical therapists' treatment choices to clinical practice guidelines or research evidence. Treatment choices assessed by surveys, audits of clinical notes, and treatment recording forms were the primary measures of adherence. Self-reported guideline adherence was the secondary measure. Three reviewers independently assessed risk of bias. Because of heterogeneity across studies, only a narrative synthesis of the results was performed.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included. Four demonstrated a positive effect on at least 1 measure of treatment choices for low back pain and acute whiplash. One involved a comparison with no intervention, and 3 involved a comparison with another active intervention. The interventions that demonstrated a positive effect included dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, with additional elements including interactive educational meetings (3 studies), tailored interventions and monitoring of the performance of health care delivery (1 study), peer assessment (1 study), and local opinion leaders plus educational outreach visits (1 study).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review revealed limited trials evaluating interventions to increase physical therapists' use of evidence-based treatments for musculoskeletal conditions compared with no intervention, it highlighted some interventions that may be effective.

IMPACT

Dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, interactive educational meetings, tailored interventions and monitoring the performance of health care delivery, peer assessment, and use of local opinion leaders plus educational outreach visits should be implemented to improve physical therapists' adherence to clinical practice guidelines for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Comparing a standard and tailored approach to scaling up an evidence-based intervention for antiretroviral therapy for people who inject drugs in Vietnam: study protocol for a cluster randomized hybrid type III trial

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infection and experience poor outcomes. A randomized trial demonstrated the efficacy of an integrated System Navigation and Psychosocial Counseling (SNaP) intervention in improving HIV outcomes, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) uptake, viral suppression, and mortality. There is limited evidence about how to effectively scale such intervention. This protocol presents a hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation trial comparing two approaches for scaling-up SNaP. We will evaluate the effectiveness of SNaP implementation approaches as well as cost and the characteristics of HIV testing sites achieving successful or unsuccessful implementation of SNaP in Vietnam.

Methods

Design: In this cluster randomized controlled trial, two approaches to scaling-up SNaP for PWID in Vietnam will be compared. HIV testing sites (n = 42) were randomized 1:1 to the standard approach or the tailored approach. Intervention mapping was used to develop implementation strategies for both arms. The standard arm will receive a uniform package of these strategies, while implementation strategies for the tailored arm will be designed to address site-specific needs.

Participants: HIV-positive PWID participants (n = 6200) will be recruited for medical record assessment at baseline; of those, 1500 will be enrolled for detailed assessments at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Site directors and staff at each of the 42 HIV testing sites will complete surveys at baseline, 12, and 24 months.

Outcomes: Implementation outcomes (fidelity, penetration, acceptability) and effectiveness outcomes (ART, MOUD uptake, viral suppression) will be compared between the arms. To measure incremental costs, we will conduct an empirical costing study of each arm and the actual process of implementation from a societal perspective. Qualitative and quantitative site-level data will be used to explore key characteristics of HIV testing sites that successfully or unsuccessfully implement the intervention for each arm.

Discussion

Scaling up evidence-based interventions poses substantial challenges. The proposed trial contributes to the field of implementation science by applying a systematic approach to designing and tailoring implementation strategies, conducting a rigorous comparison of two promising implementation approaches, and assessing their incremental costs. Our study will provide critical guidance to Ministries of Health worldwide regarding the most effective, cost-efficient approach to SNaP implementation.

Trial registration

NCT03952520 on Clinialtrials.gov. Registered 16 May 2019.

Implementing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Outpatient Rehabilitation Settings: A Systematic Review of Facilitators and Barriers Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review examines the facilitators and barriers to the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in outpatient rehabilitation settings and provides strategies to improve care to maximize patient outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

Eleven databases were systematically searched from November 2018 to May 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently assessed articles based on the following inclusion criteria: English text, evaluate barriers and facilitators, include PROMs, and occur in an outpatient rehabilitation setting (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, or athletic training). Of the 10,164 articles initially screened, 15 articles were included in this study.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted from the selected articles by 2 independent reviewers and put into an extraction template and into the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) model. The Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was conducted on each study to assess study design, risk of bias, and reporting quality of the eligible studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Ten studies were identified as high quality, according to the AXIS. Based on the CFIR model, the top barriers identified focused on clinician training and time in the implementation process, lack of recognized value and knowledge at the individual level, lack of access and support in the inner setting, and inability of patients to complete PROMs in the intervention process. Facilitators were identified as education in the implementation process, support and availability of PROMs in the inner setting, and recognized value at the individual level.

CONCLUSIONS

More barriers than facilitators have been identified, which is consistent with PROM underuse. Clinicians and administrators should find opportunities to overcome the barriers identified and leverage the facilitators to improve routine PROM use and maximize patient outcomes.

National clinical guidelines in municipality-based rehabilitation: A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, use, and implementation

Background: Despite increasing research within physiotherapy, consistent implementation of evidence-based guidelines in everyday physiotherapy practice can present a challenge.Objective: To examine the knowledge, use, and implementation of National Clinical Guidelines (NCG) for knee arthrosis and meniscus pathology in municipality-based rehabilitation in Denmark.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a web-based questionnaire developed for the present study. Respondents included rehabilitation unit managers, staff in charge of professional development and physiotherapists from municipality-based rehabilitation units in one of the Denmark's five regions.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 61 respondents (75.3%). The responses indicated significantly better knowledge of the NCG for knee arthrosis than of the NCG for meniscus pathology (p = .017). Eighty-two percent (n = 50) replied that their unit had developed local guidelines for knee arthrosis; 74% (n = 45) for meniscus pathology. A total of 72% (n = 44) stated that relevant parts of the knee arthrosis NCG were integrated in local guidelines, whereas only 49% (n = 30) said the same for the meniscus pathology NCG. Respondents replied that implementation depends on factors such as time (46%, n = 28), knowledge (31%, n = 19), and the perceived relevance of the NCG (33%, n = 20) as well as support from local rehabilitation unit managers (23%, n = 14).Conclusion: Differences in the knowledge, use, and implementation of two NCGs among rehabilitation unit managers, staff in charge of professional development, and physiotherapists in municipality-based rehabilitation were identified. It seems that NCGs do not necessarily translate directly into local guidelines.

From theory to practice: a conceptual framework to facilitate implementation of evidence in stroke rehabilitation for local context in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Implementing evidence into practice is a global priority with implications for patients, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers (stakeholders). The national clinical guideline (NCG) for stroke is one of the most important sources of robust evidence. However, implementation within real practice is often slow to respond. The knowledge to action (KTA) framework is one of several frameworks to facilitate implementation and enable evidence to be put into operation. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework to understand the process of implementation of an NCG for stroke in the local context of physiotherapy practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A qualitative–quantitative mixed methods study was conducted. The first method (panel meetings, 10 expert physiotherapists) was to chart the main concepts/domains of physiotherapy practice in the UK NCG for stroke. Drawing on panel meeting findings, 75 recommendations were released as an online questionnaire to 35 Saudi stroke specialist physiotherapists. This was followed by a focus group (second method) to capture the process of implementation of NCG for stroke in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Results

Sixty-one recommendations were accepted to be applied in real practice, whereas only 14 recommendations were rejected. The paper presents the first empirically derived framework that establishes the contribution of physiotherapy to stroke rehabilitation. This framework characterizes the real-world nature of the implementation of NCGs for stroke within physiotherapy practice. This framework reaffirms the importance of supportive organizational culture, the specific need of end users, patient factors, and finally transferability of the evidence.

Discussion

This conceptual framework appears to provide a reasonable approach for the development of implementation strategies for physiotherapist practice in stroke rehabilitation. Furthermore, it might be the first that reflects the real value of the KTA framework and tests it empirically.

Conclusion

The finding of this study provides a useful comprehensive framework to implement existing NCGs for stroke.

A risk stratification tool for prehospital triage of patients exposed to a whiplash trauma

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to develop a risk stratification model to predict the presence of a potentially more sinister injury in patients exposed to a whiplash trauma.

METHODS

The study base comprised of 3,115 residents who first sought healthcare contact within one week after being exposed to a whiplash trauma between 1999-2008, from within a defined geographical area, Skaraborg County in south-western Sweden. Information about gender, age, time elapsed prior to seeking care, type of health care contact, and hospitalisation was retrieved. Seventeen potential risk factors were identified and evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 3,115 patients, 215 (6.9%) required hospital admission so theoretically 93% could have been initially assessed by primary health care. However, only 46% had their first contact in primary health care. All patients had symptoms resulting in a diagnosis of whiplash injury. Four risk factors were found to be associated with hospital admission: commotio cerebri (OR 31, 19-51), fracture / luxation (OR 11, 5.1-22), serious injury (OR 41, 8.0-210), and the patient sought care during the same day as the trauma (OR 5.9, 3.7-9.5). These four risk factors explained 27% of the variation for hospital admission and the area under curve (AUC) was 0.77 (0.74-0.80). Ninety-six percent of patients (2,985) had only a whiplash injury with no other injury. These could be split into those attending health care the same day as the trauma, 1,737 (56%) with a 7.1% risk for hospital admission, and those attending health care later, 1,248 (40%) with a 1.3% risk for hospital admission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with no signs of commotio cerebri, no fracture/luxation injury, no serious injury, comprising 96% of all patients exposed to a whiplash trauma can initially be referred to primary health care for initial assessment. However, those contacting the health care the same day as the trauma should be referred to a hospital for evaluation if they can't get an appointment with a general practitioner the same day.

Implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy: impact and sustainability

Purpose: To explore the effects on and sustainability of physiotherapists' clinical behavior when using facilitation to support the implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in primary health care for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-/post-test trial was conducted. Fifteen physiotherapists were included in the experimental group, and nine in the control group. Based on social cognitive theory and the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, facilitation with multifaceted implementation methods was used during a six-month period. Clinical behaviors were investigated with a study-specific questionnaire, structured observations, self-reports and patient records. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods were used for analyzing differences over time and effect size.Results: A sustained increase in self-efficacy for applying the behavioral medicine approach was found. Clinical actions and verbal expressions changed significantly, and the effect size was large; however, changes were not sustained at follow-ups. The behavioral changes were mainly related to the goal setting, self-monitoring and functional behavioral analysis components. No changes in clinical behavior were found in the control group.Conclusion: Tailored multifaceted facilitation can support the implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy in primary health care, but more comprehensive actions targeting sustainability are needed.Implications for rehabilitationTailored multifaceted facilitation can support the implementation of an evidence based behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy.Facilitation can be useful for increasing self-efficacy beliefs for using behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapist's clinical practice.Further research is required to establish strategies that are effective in sustaining behavioral changes.

Implementing an initiative to promote evidence-informed practice: part 1 - a description of the Evidence Rounds programme

BACKGROUND

Evidence-informed practice is fundamental to the delivery of high quality health care. Delays and gaps in the translation of research into practice can impact negatively on patient care. Previous studies have reported that problems facing health care professionals such as information overload, underdeveloped critical appraisal skills, lack of time and other individual, organisational and system-level contextual factors are barriers to the uptake of evidence. Health services research in this area has been restricted largely to the evaluation of program outcomes. This paper aims to describe the implementation process of an educational initiative for health care professionals working in midwifery, neonatology or obstetrics aimed at disseminating evidence and enhancing evidence-informed clinical care.

METHODS

We designed and implemented an educational initiative called Evidence Rounds for health care professionals working in the women and children's division of an urban hospital in Ireland. It consisted of three core components: (1) group educational sessions examining evidence on topics chosen by staff (2) a dedicated website and (3) facilitation, enablement and support from a knowledge translation professional. We evaluated user engagement in the educational program by monitoring attendance figures and website analytics. We followed up with staff at 3, 16 and 21-month intervals after the last educational session to find out whether evidence had been implemented. We use Lavis's organising framework for knowledge transfer and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to describe the educational program and document the implementation process.

RESULTS

Six educational sessions presented by 18 health care professionals took place over a nine month period with 148 attendances of which 85 were unique (individuals who attended at least one session). During the period spanning from one month before, during and one month after the running of the group sessions, 188 unique visitors, 331 visits and 862 page views were recorded on our website.

CONCLUSIONS

Audit and feedback processes can provide quantitative data to track practice outcomes. Achieving sustainable educational programs can be challenging without dedicated resources such as staffing and funding.

Physiotherapists' Adoption of a Theory-Based Skills Training Program in Guiding People with Rheumatoid Arthritis to Health-Enhancing Physical Activity

Purpose

To describe physiotherapists’ (PTs’) adoption of a theory-based skills training program preparing them to guide people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) within a 1-year intervention trial.

Method

This was a longitudinal case study. Ten female PTs (age 25–59), delivering the HEPA intervention, participated. Data were collected on five occasions over a 19-month period: once before the training course, once after 4 course days, twice during the HEPA intervention and once after the HEPA intervention. Knowledge on about physical activity (score 0–6) and behavior change techniques (BCTs) (score 0–18), fear-avoidance beliefs (score 8–48) and self-efficacy to guide behavior change (score 9–54) were assessed with a questionnaire. Structured logbooks were used to register PTs’ self-reported guiding behavior. Criteria for PTs’ adherence to the protocol were pre-set.

Results

PTs’ knowledge on about BCTs and their self-efficacy increased significantly (p < 0.05) from median 9 to 13 and from median 38 to 46.5, respectively. Knowledge on about physical activity was high and fear-avoidance beliefs were low before the education (median 6 and 13.5, respectively) and did not change over time. Two out of ten PTs fulfilled the pre-set criteria for adherence throughout the intervention.

Conclusion

The results suggest that a theory-based skills training program improves PTs’ knowledge on about behavior change techniques and their self-efficacy to guide people with RA to HEPA. PTs’ adherence to the protocol was not complete but the clinical relevance of the adherence criteria need to be validated against observed PT behavior and patient outcomes.

Application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Case Report

PURPOSE

This case report illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis in a pediatric outpatient facility.

DESCRIPTIONS

The infant was a 2-month-old baby presenting with congenital muscular torticollis. Application of each of the 16 action statements outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline is detailed as related to the case.

OUTCOMES

All desired outcomes were achieved within 11 intervention sessions over a 16-week period.

WHAT THIS CASE ADDS

This case illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline and exemplifies how each action statement can be addressed without placing an undue time burden upon the therapist. The case resulted in changes to facility-wide clinical procedures to increase consistency of care as outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline.

Adoption and use of guidelines for whiplash: an audit of insurer and health professional practice in New South Wales, Australia

BACKGROUND

In Australia, the New South Wales (NSW) State Insurance Regulatory Authority has been continuously developing and implementing clinical practice guidelines to address the health and economic burden from whiplash associated disorders (WAD). Despite this, it is uncertain the extent to which the guidelines are followed. This study aimed to determine insurer and health professional compliance with recommendations of the 2014 NSW clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute WAD; and explore factors related to adherence.

METHODS

This was an observational study involving an audit of 288 randomly-selected claimant files from 4 insurance providers in NSW, Australia between March and October 2016. Data extracted included demographic, claim and injury details, use of health services, and insurer and health professional practices related to the guidelines. Analyses involved descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Median time for general practitioner medical consultation was 4 days post-injury and 25 days for physical treatment (e.g. physiotherapy). Rates of x-ray investigations were low (21.5%) and most patients (90%) were given active treatments in line with the guideline recommendations. The frequency of other practices recommended by the guidelines suggested lower guideline adherence in some areas such as; using the Quebec Task Force classification (19.9%); not using specialised imaging for WAD grades I and II (e.g. MRI, 45.8%); not using routine passive treatments (e.g. manual therapy, 94.0%); and assessing risk of non-recovery using relevant prognostic tools (e.g. Neck Disability Index, 12.8%). Over half of the claimants (59.0%) were referred to other professionals at 9-12 weeks post-injury, among which 31.2% were to psychologists and 68.8% to specialists (surgical specialists, 43.6%; WAD specialists, 20.5%). Legal representation and lodgment of full claim were associated with increased number of medical visits and imaging (ρ 0.23 to 0.3; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of positive uptake of some guideline recommendations by insurers and health professionals; however, there are practices that are not compliant and might lead to poor health outcomes and greater treatment cost. Organisational, regulatory and professional implementation strategies may be considered to change practice, improve scheme performance and ultimately improve outcomes for people with WAD.

Optimal primary care management of clinical osteoarthritis and joint pain in older people: a mixed-methods programme of systematic reviews, observational and qualitative studies, and randomised controlled trials

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common long-term condition managed in UK general practice. However, care is suboptimal despite evidence that primary care and community-based interventions can reduce OA pain and disability.

Objectives

The overall aim was to improve primary care management of OA and the health of patients with OA. Four parallel linked workstreams aimed to (1) develop a health economic decision model for estimating the potential for cost-effective delivery of primary care OA interventions to improve population health, (2) develop and evaluate new health-care models for delivery of core treatments and support for self-management among primary care consulters with OA, and to investigate prioritisation and implementation of OA care among the public, patients, doctors, health-care professionals and NHS trusts, (3) determine the effectiveness of strategies to optimise specific components of core OA treatment using the example of exercise and (4) investigate the effect of interventions to tackle barriers to core OA treatment, using the example of comorbid anxiety and depression in persons with OA.

Data sources

The North Staffordshire Osteoarthritis Project database, held by Keele University, was the source of data for secondary analyses in workstream 1.

Methods

Workstream 1 used meta-analysis and synthesis of published evidence about effectiveness of primary care treatments, combined with secondary analysis of existing longitudinal population-based cohort data, to identify predictors of poor long-term outcome (prognostic factors) and design a health economic decision model to estimate cost-effectiveness of different hypothetical strategies for implementing optimal primary care for patients with OA. Workstream 2 used mixed methods to (1) develop and test a ‘model OA consultation’ for primary care health-care professionals (qualitative interviews, consensus, training and evaluation) and (2) evaluate the combined effect of a computerised ‘pop-up’ guideline for general practitioners (GPs) in the consultation and implementing the model OA consultation on practice and patient outcomes (parallel group intervention study). Workstream 3 developed and investigated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) how to optimise the effect of exercise in persons with knee OA by tailoring it to the individual and improving adherence. Workstream 4 developed and investigated in a cluster RCT the extent to which screening patients for comorbid anxiety and depression can improve OA outcomes. Public and patient involvement included proposal development, project steering and analysis. An OA forum involved public, patient, health professional, social care and researcher representatives to debate the results and formulate proposals for wider implementation and dissemination.

Results

This programme provides evidence (1) that economic modelling can be used in OA to extrapolate findings of cost-effectiveness beyond the short-term outcomes of clinical trials, (2) about ways of implementing support for self-management and models of optimal primary care informed by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations, including the beneficial effects of training in a model OA consultation on GP behaviour and of pop-up screens in GP consultations on the quality of prescribing, (3) against adding enhanced interventions to current effective physiotherapy-led exercise for knee OA and (4) against screening for anxiety and depression in patients with musculoskeletal pain as an addition to current best practice for OA.

Conclusions

Implementation of evidence-based care for patients with OA is feasible in general practice and has an immediate impact on improving the quality of care delivered to patients. However, improved levels of quality of care, changes to current best practice physiotherapy and successful introduction of psychological screening, as achieved by this programme, did not substantially reduce patients’ pain and disability. This poses important challenges for clinical practice and OA research.

Limitations

The key limitation in this work is the lack of improvement in patient-reported pain and disability despite clear evidence of enhanced delivery of evidence-based care.

Future work recommendations

(1) New thinking and research is needed into the achievable and desirable long-term goals of care for people with OA, (2) continuing investigation into the resources needed to properly implement clinical guidelines for management of OA as a long-term condition, such as regular monitoring to maintain exercise and physical activity and (3) new research to identify subgroups of patients with OA as a basis for stratified primary care including (i) those with good prognosis who can self-manage with minimal investigation or specialist treatment, (ii) those who will respond to, and benefit from, specific interventions in primary care, such as physiotherapy-led exercise, and (iii) develop research into effective identification and treatment of clinically important anxiety and depression in patients with OA and into the effects of pain management on psychological outcomes in patients with OA.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN06984617, ISRCTN93634563 and ISRCTN40721988.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research Programme; Vol. 6, No. 4. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The effectiveness of interventions designed to increase the uptake of clinical practice guidelines and best practices among musculoskeletal professionals: a systematic review

Background

The objective of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate evidence about the effectiveness of knowledge translation (KT) interventions to improve the uptake and application of clinical practice guidelines and best practices for a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and health care professionals.

Methods

A search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid interface), EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL (Cochrane library). Two independent reviewers selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. All MSK disorders were included except MSK injuries, fractures, trauma, or inflammatory disorders.

Results

A total of 7904 citations yielded 11 eligible RCTs. The targeted MSK disorders included: low back pain (n = 5), neck pain (n = 2), whiplash (1), spinal disorders (n = 1), and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee (n = 2). Studies primarily involved physiotherapists, chiropractors, and a mix of physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. Results were reported using effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Interactive educational meetings were the most commonly used KT strategy. For professional outcomes, 3 studies using single-component interventions had a small effect (d ranges from 0.14 to 0.28) and 7 studies used multifaceted interventions (3 were effective (d ranges from 0.824 to 2.27). For patient outcomes, 4 studies were ineffective (d ranges from 0.06 to 0.31). The majority of the included RCTs had moderate-to-high risk of bias. About half of the studies used theory-based interventions, but the elements of the interventions and theoretical frameworks were often poorly described. Furthermore, there were no comparable outcome measures to evaluate the impact of the interventions on a similar scale.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that multifaceted educational KT interventions appear to be effective for improving professional outcomes, although effects were inconsistent. The KT strategies were generally not effective on patient outcomes. In general, studies were of low quality, interventions were poorly described, and only half had theoretical underpinning. Researchers are encouraged to use validated professional and patient outcomes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3253-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Breaking Down Barriers to the Utilization of Standardized Tests and Outcome Measures in Acute Care Physical Therapist Practice: An Observational Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Standardized tests and outcome measures (STOM) have not been consistently implemented as part of most physical therapists' practice. Incidence of STOM use among physical therapists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was similar to low levels cited nationally among acute care physical therapists. Targeted knowledge translation (KT) strategies have been suggested to promote the application of research evidence into clinical decision making.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) effort was to implement a series of interventions aimed at increasing both use and interpretation of STOM by physical therapists practicing in acute care.

DESIGN

This study used an observational longitudinal design.

METHODS

A literature review identified current barriers and facilitators to the use of STOM by physical therapists. KT strategies were tailored to the practice setting in order to target barriers and promote facilitators to the use of STOM. Data were collected through retrospective chart review at baseline and then subsequently at 4 periods following the implementation of the QI project.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase in both the use (primary outcome) and interpretation (secondary outcome) of STOM was observed following the implementation of KT strategies. The increase was sustained at all subsequent measurement periods.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the lack of a control group and the small number of setting- and diagnosis-specific STOM available for use by physical therapists practicing in acute care.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of KT strategies was associated with an increase in the frequency of use and interpretation of STOM. Similar QI efforts are feasible in any acute care physical therapy department and potentially other settings.

Training programmes to improve evidence uptake and utilisation by physiotherapists: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

Research training programmes are a knowledge translation (KT) intervention which aim to improve research evidence uptake by clinicians. Whilst KT training programmes have been reported to significantly improve evidence uptake by physiotherapists, it is unclear which aspects of training optimally assist KT into physiotherapy practice. The purpose of the review was to establish the body of evidence regarding KT training programmes to improve physiotherapists' use of evidence-based practice (EBP) and clinical practice guidelines (CPG).

METHODS

A systematic scoping review was undertaken in line with the adapted Arksey and O'Malley framework. Nine electronic databases (CINAHL, BIOMED CENTRAL, Cochrane, Web of Science, PROQUEST, PUBMED, OTseeker, Scopus, ERIC) were searched. Targeted keywords identified primary research articles of any hierarchy, that described the nature and impact of KT training programmes for physiotherapists. Where systematic reviews were identified, the component primary studies were considered individually for relevance. Critical appraisal was not undertaken due to the nature of a scoping review, and data was reported descriptively.

RESULTS

Ten systematic reviews were identified (yielding four relevant primary studies). Five additional primary studies were identified (two randomised controlled trials, two non-randomised controlled trials and one pre-post study) which were not included in the original systematic reviews. This provided nine eligible primary research studies for review. The KT strategies were all multi-faceted. Interactive sessions, didactic sessions, printed material and discussion and feedback were consistently associated with effective outcomes. When KT strategies addressed local barriers to EBP utilisation, there were better success rates for EBP and CPG uptake, irrespective of the outcome measures used. There were no consistent ways of measuring outcome.

CONCLUSION

Multi-faceted KT strategies designed to address local barriers to knowledge translation were most effective in improving EBP/ CPG uptake among physiotherapists.

Has the quality of physiotherapy care in patients with Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) improved over time? A retrospective study using routinely collected data and quality indicators

PURPOSE

To develop valid quality indicators (QIs) for physiotherapy care based on best available evidence, and to use these QIs to explore trends in the quality of physiotherapy care of patients with Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) using guideline-based routinely collected data (RCD) gathered between 1996 and 2011.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consisted of two phases: 1) development of QIs and 2) analysis of patient records. A set of QIs was developed based on recommendations in the scientific literature and the Dutch Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) "Physiotherapy Management and WAD". QIs were expressed as percentages, allowing target performance levels to be defined (≥80% or ≤30% depending on whether desired performance required a high or low score on a QI). We then analyzed WAD patient data (N = 810) collected over a period of 16 years in two physiotherapy practices, separating patients into two groups defined as before (Group A 1996-2002; n = 353) and after (Group B 2003-2011; n = 457) implementation and transition to the Dutch CPG "Physiotherapy Management and WAD".

RESULTS

Using an iterative process and input from both experts and users, 28 QIs were developed and subsequently classified per step of the clinical reasoning process for physiotherapy care. Based on 16 years of RCD, we found that the clinical reasoning process differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the groups, in favor of Group B. Twelve of the 25 indicators (48.0%) in Group A and 19 of 26 indicators (73.1%) in Group B met predetermined performance targets. The number of target indicators also differed significantly between groups, favoring Group B (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A preliminary set of novel QIs was developed. Using RCD and these QIs, we conclude that physiotherapy care in our study setting improved over the period 1996-2011. Furthermore, the QIs met the performance targets set for the clinical reasoning process after the transition to the Dutch CPG "Physiotherapy Management and WAD".

Strategies to translate knowledge related to common musculoskeletal conditions into physiotherapy practice: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Many physiotherapists underuse evidence-based practice guidelines or recommendations when treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders, yet synthesis of knowledge translation interventions used within the field of physiotherapy fails to offer clear conclusions to guide the implementation of clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of various knowledge translation interventions used to implement changes in the practice of current physiotherapists treating common musculoskeletal issues.

DATA SOURCES

A computerized literature search of MEDLINE, CINHAL and ProQuest of systematic reviews (from inception until May 2016) and primary research studies (from January 2010 until June 2016).

STUDY SELECTION AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligibility criteria specified articles evaluating interventions for translating knowledge into physiotherapy practice.

DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, performed data extraction, and performed quality assessment. Of a total of 13014 articles located and titles and abstracts screened, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, including three overlapping publications, resulting in 31 individual studies.

RESULTS

Knowledge translation interventions appear to have resulted in a positive change in physiotherapist beliefs, attitudes, skills and guideline awareness. However, no consistent improvement in clinical practice, patient and economic outcomes were observed.

LIMITATIONS

The studies included had small sample sizes and low methodological quality. The heterogeneity of the studies was not conducive to pooling the data.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION OF KEY FINDINGS

The intensity and type of knowledge translation intervention seem to have an effect on practice change. More research targeting financial, organizational and regulatory knowledge translation interventions is needed.

Allied health: integral to transforming health

Objective South Australia is taking an innovative step in transforming the way its healthcare is organised and delivered to better manage current and future demands on the health system. In an environment of transforming health services, there are clear opportunities for allied health to assist in determining solutions to various healthcare challenges. A recent opinion piece proposed 10 clinician-driven strategies to assist in maximising value and sustainability of healthcare in Australia. The present study aimed to seek the perspectives of allied health clinicians, educators, researchers, policy makers and managers on these strategies and their relevance to allied health. Methods A survey of allied health practitioners was undertaken to capture their perspectives on the 10 clinician-driven strategies for maximising value and sustainability of healthcare in Australia. Survey findings were then layered with evidence from the literature. Results Highly relevant across allied health are the strategies of discontinuation of low value practices, targeting clinical interventions to those getting greatest benefit, active involvement of patients in shared decision making and self-management and advocating for integrated systems of care. Conclusions Allied health professionals have been involved in the South Australian healthcare system for a prolonged period, but their services are poorly recognised, often overlooked and not greatly supported in existing traditional practices. The results of the present study highlight ways in which healthcare services can implement strategies not only to improve the quality of patient outcomes, but also to offer innovative solutions for future, sustainable healthcare. The findings call for concerted efforts to increase the utilisation of allied health services to ensure the 'maximum value for spend' of the increasingly scarce health dollar. What is known about the topic? In medicine, clinician-driven strategies have been proposed to minimise inappropriate and costly care and maximise highly appropriate and less expensive care. These strategies were developed based on clinical experiences and with supporting evidence from scientific studies. What does this paper add? Major changes to the health system are required to slow down the growth in healthcare expenditure. This paper describes opportunities in which allied health practitioners can implement similar strategies not only to improve the quality of patient outcomes, but also to offer cost-effective solutions for a sustainable healthcare. What are the implications for practitioners? Allied health practitioners can provide solutions to healthcare challenges and assist in the transformation of healthcare in Australia. However, for this to happen, there should be concerted efforts to increase recognition of and support for the use of allied health services.

A Comparison of the Effects of Pilates and McKenzie Training on Pain and General Health in Men with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial

Background:

Today, chronic low back pain is one of the special challenges in healthcare. There is no unique approach to treat chronic low back pain. A variety of methods are used for the treatment of low back pain, but the effects of these methods have not yet been investigated adequately.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Pilates and McKenzie training on pain and general health of men with chronic low back pain.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six patients with chronic low back pain were chosen voluntarily and assigned to three groups of 12 each: McKenzie group, Pilates group, and control group. The Pilates group participated in 1-h exercise sessions, three sessions a week for 6 weeks. McKenzie group performed workouts 1 h a day for 20 days. The control group underwent no treatment. The general health of all participants was measured by the General Health Questionnaire 28 and pain by the McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Results:

After therapeutic exercises, there was no significant difference between Pilates and McKenzie groups in pain relief (P = 0.327). Neither of the two methods was superior over the other for pain relief. However, there was a significant difference in general health indexes between Pilates and McKenzie groups.

Conclusion:

Pilates and McKenzie training reduced pain in patients with chronic low back pain, but the Pilates training was more effective to improve general health.

Content and Evaluation of the Benefits of Effective Exercise for Older Adults With Knee Pain Trial Physiotherapist Training Program

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether participating in the Benefits of Effective Exercise for knee Pain (BEEP) trial training program increased physiotherapists' self-confidence and changed their intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain in older adults.

DESIGN

Before/after training program evaluation. Physiotherapists were asked to complete a questionnaire before the BEEP trial training program, immediately after, and 12 to 18 months later (postintervention delivery in the BEEP trial). The questionnaire included a case vignette and associated clinical management questions. Questionnaire responses were compared over time and between physiotherapists trained to deliver each intervention within the BEEP trial.

SETTING

Primary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Physiotherapists (N=53) who completed the BEEP trial training program.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-confidence in the diagnosis and management of knee pain in older adults; and intended clinical behavior measured by a case vignette and associated clinical management questions.

RESULTS

Fifty-two physiotherapists (98%) returned the pretraining questionnaire, and 44 (85%) and 39 (74%) returned the posttraining and postintervention questionnaires, respectively. Posttraining, self-confidence in managing older adults with knee pain increased, and intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain in older adults appeared more in line with clinical guidelines. However, not all positive changes were maintained in the longer-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in the BEEP trial training program increased physiotherapists' self-confidence and changed their intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain, but by 12 to 18 months later, some of these positive changes were lost. This suggests that brief training programs are useful, but additional strategies are likely needed to successfully maintain changes in clinical behavior over time.

Use of outcome measures improved after a tailored implementation in primary care physiotherapy: a prospective, controlled study

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

It is important that physiotherapists routinely use outcome measures to evaluate treatment results. There is limited knowledge about effective ways to increase use of outcome measures. The objectives were to investigate the effect of a tailored implementation of guidelines for evaluation of physiotherapy treatment and to explore differences in outcome subgrouped by demographic variables.

METHODS

A prospective, controlled study was conducted in primary care physiotherapy in western Sweden. 448 publicly employed physiotherapists participated. The intervention comprised a tailored, multi-component implementation of guidelines for treatment and evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders. The core component was a 3-hour implementation seminar. The control group received no intervention. Self-reported attitudes towards, access to and use of outcome measures were assessed with a web-based questionnaire before and after the implementation.

RESULTS

After the implementation, a significantly higher proportion of physiotherapists in the intervention group than in the control group reported using outcome measures frequently, 54.8% vs. 35.6%, a 19.2% difference. The proportion of physiotherapists who reported that they considered outcome measures important to use and that they had easy access to outcome measures at their workplace, were similar in both groups at follow-up, 92.8% vs. 93.1%, and 95.2% vs. 90.8%, respectively. At follow-up, no differences related to demographic variables were found in the subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that a tailored, multi-component implementation can be effective in increasing use of outcome measures. Although most physiotherapists considered outcome measures important and reported having easy access to them at their workplace, only a little more than half reported using outcome measures after the intervention.

Using Outcome Measures in Daily Practice: Development and Evaluation of an Implementation Strategy for Physiotherapists in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

To describe the development of an educational programme for physiotherapists in the Netherlands, two toolkits of measurement instruments, and the evaluation of an implementation strategy.

METHOD

The study used a controlled pre- and post-measurement design. A tailored educational programme for the use of outcome measures was developed that consisted of four training sessions and two toolkits of measurement instruments. Of 366 invited physiotherapists, 265 followed the educational programme (response rate 72.4%), and 235 randomly chosen control physiotherapists did not (28% response rate). The outcomes measured were participants' general attitude toward measurement instruments, their ability to choose measurement instruments, their use of measurement instruments, the applicability of the educational programme, and the changes in physiotherapy practice achieved as a result of the programme.

RESULTS

Consistent (not occasional) use of measurement instruments increased from 26% to 41% in the intervention group; in the control group, use remained almost the same (45% vs 48%). Difficulty in choosing an appropriate measurement instrument decreased from 3.5 to 2.7 on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Finally, 91% of respondents found the educational programme useful, and 82% reported that it changed their physiotherapy practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The educational programme and toolkits were useful and had a positive effect on physiotherapists' ability to choose among many possible outcome measures.

Selecting relevant and feasible measurement instruments for the revised Dutch clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients after stroke

PURPOSE

To select relevant and feasible instruments for the revision of the Dutch clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients with stroke.

METHODS

In this implementation study a comprehensive proposal for ICF categories and matching instruments was developed, based on reliability and validity. Relevant instruments were then selected in a consensus round by 11 knowledge brokers who were responsible for the implementation of the selected instruments. The feasibility of the selected instruments was tested by 36 physical therapists at different work settings within stroke services. Finally, instruments that were deemed relevant and feasible were included in the revised guideline.

RESULTS

A total of 28 instruments were recommended for inclusion in the revised guideline. Nineteen instruments were retained from the previous guideline. Ten new instruments were tested in clinical practice, seven of which were found feasible. Two more instruments were added after critical appraisal of the set of the measurement instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

The revised guideline contains 28 relevant and feasible instrument selected and tested in clinical practice by physical therapists. Further education and implementation is needed to integrate instruments in clinical practice. Further research is proposed for developing and implementing a core set of measurement instruments to be used at fixed time points to establish data registries that allow for continuous improvement of rehabilitation for stroke patients. Implications for Rehabilitation The revised Dutch Stroke Physical Therapy Guideline recommends a total of 28 instruments, that are relevant and feasible for clinical practice of physical therapist in the different settings of stroke rehabilitation. The selection of instrument in daily practice should be part of the clinical reasoning process of PTs and be tailored to individual patients' needs and the degree of priority of the affected ICF category. Suggested education strategies for further integration of instruments in of the daily practice of PTs in Stroke Rehabilitation are: 'Training on the job' and 'peer assessment in clinical situations'.

Barriers and Strategies in Guideline Implementation-A Scoping Review

Research indicates that clinical guidelines are often not applied. The success of their implementation depends on the consideration of a variety of barriers and the use of adequate strategies to overcome them. Therefore, this scoping review aims to describe and categorize the most important barriers to guideline implementation. Furthermore, it provides an overview of different kinds of suitable strategies that are tailored to overcome these barriers. The search algorithm led to the identification of 1659 articles in PubMed. Overall, 69 articles were included in the data synthesis. The content of these articles was analysed by using a qualitative synthesis approach, to extract the most important information on barriers and strategies. The barriers to guideline implementation can be differentiated into personal factors, guideline-related factors, and external factors. The scoping review revealed the following aspects as central elements of successful strategies for guideline implementation: dissemination, education and training, social interaction, decision support systems and standing orders. Available evidence indicates that a structured implementation can improve adherence to guidelines. Therefore, the barriers to guideline implementation and adherence need to be analysed in advance so that strategies that are tailored to the specific setting and target groups can be developed.

Implementation interventions to improve the management of non-specific low back pain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) are not necessarily translated into practice. Multiple studies have investigated different interventions to implement best evidence into clinical practice yet no synthesis of these studies has been carried out to date. The aim of this study was to systematically review available studies to determine whether implementation interventions in this field have been effective and to identify which strategies have been most successful in changing healthcare practitioner behaviours and improving patient outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken, searching electronic databases until end of December 2012 plus hand searching, writing to key authors and using prior knowledge of the field to identify papers. Included studies evaluated an implementation intervention to improve the management of NSLBP in clinical practice, measured key outcomes regarding change in practitioner behaviour and/or patient outcomes and subjected their data to statistical analysis. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) recommendations about systematic review conduct were followed. Study inclusion, data extraction and study risk of bias assessments were conducted independently by two review authors.

RESULTS

Of 7654 potentially eligible citations, 17 papers reporting on 14 studies were included. Risk of bias of included studies was highly variable with 7 of 17 papers rated at high risk. Single intervention or one-off implementation efforts were consistently ineffective in changing clinical practice. Increasing the frequency and duration of implementation interventions led to greater success with those continuously ongoing over time the most successful in improving clinical practice in line with best evidence recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Single intervention or one-off implementation interventions may seem attractive but are largely unsuccessful in effecting meaningful change in clinical practice for NSLBP. Increasing frequency and duration of implementation interventions seems to lead to greater success and the most successful implementation interventions used consistently sustained strategies.

Physiotherapy students' perspectives of online e-learning for interdisciplinary management of chronic health conditions: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

To qualitatively explore physiotherapy students' perceptions of online e-learning for chronic disease management using a previously developed, innovative and interactive, evidence-based, e-learning package: Rheumatoid Arthritis for Physiotherapists e-Learning (RAP-eL).

METHODS

Physiotherapy students participated in three focus groups in Perth, Western Australia. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure maximum heterogeneity across age, gender and educational background. To explore students' perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of online e-learning, ways to enhance e-learning, and information/learning gaps in relation to interdisciplinary management of chronic health conditions, a semi-structured interview schedule was developed. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using inductive methods within a grounded theory approach to derive key themes.

RESULTS

Twenty-three students (78 % female; 39 % with previous tertiary qualification) of mean (SD) age 23 (3.6) years participated. Students expressed a preference for a combination of both online e-learning and lecture-style learning formats for chronic disease management, citing flexibility to work at one's own pace and time, and access to comprehensive information as advantages of e-learning learning. Personal interaction and ability to clarify information immediately were considered advantages of lecture-style formats. Perceived knowledge gaps included practical application of interdisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management and developing and implementing physiotherapy management plans for people with chronic health conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapy students preferred multi-modal and blended formats for learning about chronic disease management. This study highlights the need for further development of practically-oriented knowledge and skills related to interdisciplinary care for people with chronic conditions among physiotherapy students. While RAP-eL focuses on rheumatoid arthritis, the principles of learning apply to the broader context of chronic disease management.

Development of quality indicators for physiotherapy for patients with PAOD in the Netherlands: a Delphi study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to develop quality indicators (QIs) for physiotherapy management of patients with intermittent claudication (IC) in the Netherlands.

DESIGN

As part of an international six-step method to develop QIs, an online survey Delphi-procedure was completed. After two Delphi-rounds a validation round was performed.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-six experts were recruited to participate in this study. Twenty-four experts completed two Delphi-rounds. A third round was conducted inviting 1200 qualified and registered physiotherapists of the Dutch integrated care network 'Claudicationet' to validate a draft set of quality indicators.

RESULTS

Out of 83 potential QIs in the Dutch physiotherapy guideline on 'Intermittent claudication', consensus among the experts selected nine indicators. All nine quality indicators were validated by 300 physiotherapists.

CONCLUSION

A final set of nine indicators was derived from (1) a Dutch evidence-based physiotherapy guideline, (2) an expert Delphi procedure and (3) a validation by 300 physiotherapists. This set of indicators should be validated in clinical practice.