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

Knowledge Translation Task Force for core measures clinical practice guideline: a short report on the process and utilization

BACKGROUND

As part of the 2018 Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG): A Core Set of Outcome Measures for Adults with Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Rehabilitation, a Knowledge Translation (KT) Task Force was convened. The purpose of this short report was to (1) demonstrate the potential impact of a CPG KT Task Force through a practical example of efforts to implement a CPG into neurologic physical therapy practice and (2) describe the process to convene a KT Task Force and develop products (KT Toolkit) to facilitate implementation of the CPG.

METHODS

To describe the process used by the KT Task Force to develop and review a KT Toolkit for implementation of the CPG.

RESULTS

Utilizing the Knowledge-To-Action Cycle framework, eight tools were developed as part of the KT Toolkit and are available with open access to the public. Findings indicate that the Core Outcome Measures Homepage, which houses the KT Toolkit, has had greater than 70,000 views since its publication.

CONCLUSIONS

This short report serves as an example of the efforts made to implement a CPG into physical therapy practice. The processes to facilitate KT and the tools developed can inform future implementation efforts and underscore the importance of having a KT Task Force to implement a CPG. Moving forward, KT Task Forces should be convened to implement new or revised guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

N/A.

Investigating behavior, attitudes, knowledge, awareness and barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice by physiotherapists in Egypt: A cross sectional study

Few studies exist regarding the attitudes and behaviours of Egyptian physiotherapists in relation to the use of evidence in practice (EBP). The purpose of this study was to describe the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours of Egyptian physical therapists as they relate to evidence-based practice. It also explores their perception of possible barriers to implement EBP. Four hundred and seventy Egyptian therapists responded to our questionnaire with results revealing participants' awareness towards EBP was quite diverse. Only terms of systematic review and randomized controlled trial were well understood while remaining terms showed various level of comprehension which were rather low. Results also revealed significant correlations between attitudes towards EBP and overall awareness as well as attitudes and knowledge (r = 0.270 and 0.107) respectively. In addition, a significant relationship was also found between EBP awareness and knowledge with (r = 0.219). With regards to the barriers, insufficient teaching in previous education was identified as the primary barrier (34.4 %), followed by lack of funding and resources (31.1 %), while lack of time (10.2 %) was reported as the least. These barriers highlight the need to enhance implementation of EBP within Egyptian Physiotherapists. Findings of this study can be used as a foundation for the implementation of EBP in various clinical settings by understanding the limitations and barriers reported. Our study concluded that despite Egyptian physiotherapists declare their awareness of EBP, nevertheless, knowledge is restricted to a small number of terms. More focus is required to enhance the knowledge and practice of EBP. Focusing on adjustable factors, including increasing the awareness of value of research would help reduce time and resource demands for physiotherapists when implementing EBP.

Guideline-Adherent Physiotherapy for Patients With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Germany: Protocol for an Implementation Research Project Using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee osteoarthritis is common and leads to pain, stiffness, and disability. Clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations based on the best available evidence to assist health care professionals and patients in clinical decision-making. However, several studies have reported a gap between guideline recommendations and clinical practice in physiotherapy. Improved implementation strategies and the removal of existing barriers may facilitate the transfer of evidence into clinical practice and contribute to optimized quality of care.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to describe the current physiotherapy practice in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis and to investigate physiotherapists' adherence to clinical practice guidelines, to identify and specify barriers to and facilitators of guideline use and implementation, and to develop and pilot test a theory-based tailored implementation intervention aiming to increase guideline use in osteoarthritis care.

METHODS

The research project is divided into 4 parts. During the first part, we will conduct a nationwide web-based survey among German physiotherapists to evaluate the current management of hip and knee osteoarthritis and to evaluate whether treatment aligns with guideline recommendations. Subsequently, semistructured interviews will be conducted to specify barriers to and facilitators of guideline use and implementation among physiotherapists (part 2). On the basis of these findings, in part 3, we will develop a theory-driven implementation intervention based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel, which will be evaluated in a controlled pilot study in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability (part 4).

RESULTS

Data collection of the web-based survey among German physiotherapists (part 1) was completed in December 2021. The semistructured interviews (part 2) were conducted between January and September 2023. Recruitment of physiotherapy practices to participate in the development of the implementation intervention is expected to start in January 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This research project aims to develop a theory-driven implementation intervention to facilitate the transfer of evidence from hip and knee osteoarthritis guidelines in physiotherapy practice. We hypothesize that successful implementation will lead to increased guideline adherence in physiotherapists, which in turn will improve the quality of care. The results from our project will provide valuable knowledge concerning the development process and effectiveness of tailored implementation interventions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/47834.

Standardized screening of cognitive and affective tendencies in persons with low back pain: A knowledge translation project

BACKGROUND

The use of screening questionnaires (SQ) to evaluate affective or cognitive tendencies (CAT) in persons with low back pain (LBP) is recommended by clinical practice guidelines (CPG) yet few physical therapists (PTs) have adopted these recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and implement a tailored knowledge translation (KT) intervention in an outpatient rehabilitation practice to facilitate the uptake of SQ for CAT in persons with LBP.

METHODS

In a mixed-methods study, using the knowledge to action framework, PTs (n = 12) collaborated with research clinicians to improve the use of three SQ: 1) Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders for Depressive Symptoms; 2) Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire; and 3) Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Success of the intervention was measured through questionnaires, focus groups and chart audit.

RESULTS

A multimodal intervention to overcome specific identified barriers (i.e. time, forgetfulness, and lack of knowledge) was implemented. There was a 10% increase in the use of at least one SQ. PTs reported increased knowledge and use of the SQ but reported time and lack of confidence as barriers to implementation.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that SQ for CAT can be successfully implemented; however, PTs felt unprepared to use the screening results to evaluate persons with CAT and more extensive training is recommended to change this practice pattern.

Investigating attitudes, skills, and use of evidence-based practice among Norwegian chiropractors; a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential in improving the quality of healthcare and of importance for all health care personnel. No study in Norway has investigated attitudes, skills and use related to EBP among chiropractors. The aim of this study was to describe Norwegian chiropractors' attitudes, skills, and use of EBP, as well as the barriers and facilitators to their use of EBP.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional survey, the online version of the Evidence Based practice Attitudes & Utilisation SurvEy (EBASE), was sent by email to 770 Norwegian practicing chiropractors, all members of the Norwegian Chiropractic Association. Three EBASE sub-scores were generated (Attitudes, Skills and Use), and the demographic characteristics of the sample were reported. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between responses of the three sub-scores and demographic characteristics. Information on main barriers and facilitators of EBP was collected and described.

RESULTS

A total of 312 (41%) chiropractors responded to the survey, and 95% agreed that EBP is necessary for chiropractic practice. While overall use of EBP activities was low participants were interested in learning and improving their skills to incorporate EBP into practice. Chiropractors' attitudes, skills, and use of EBP were positively associated with being female and having spent more than one hour per week on research, but negatively associated with having practiced more than 10 years. Main barriers of EBP were lack of skills to critically evaluate, interpret, and apply research findings to practice. Main facilitators of EBP included access to the internet and free online databases in the workplace.

CONCLUSION

Although chiropractors in Norway reported positive attitudes and moderate skills in EBP, their use of EBP activities was limited. The main barriers and facilitators to EBP were primarily related to perceived skills deficits, whilst enablers of EBP were mostly related to infrastructure requirements.

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Allied Health Clinical Education Programs

INTRODUCTION

Continuing allied health professional (AHP) clinical education is essential to ensure high-quality patient care; however, the effectiveness of current education programs is unclear. This review aimed to determine whether AHP education programs improve the knowledge of AHPs, change their clinical practice behavior, and/or improve patient-related clinical outcome and to identify important components of these programs.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched. Controlled clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of clinical education programs were included. Education programs were diverse, varying in design, delivery mode, and intensity. Only therapy-specific AHPs were included. Effectiveness was determined by differences in group outcomes in the domains of AHP knowledge, AHP clinical practice behavior, and patient-related clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies were identified, of which 26 included physiotherapists only. Most control groups were waitlist, passive dissemination of information, or usual care, limiting comparisons between programs. Changes in AHP knowledge was investigated in 20 trials, with 13 showing an improvement. Thirty studies investigated changes in AHP clinical practice behavior, with half demonstrating a difference between groups. Seventeen studies investigated a patient-related clinical outcome, with five finding a difference between groups. Where improvements in outcomes were demonstrated, programs tended to incorporate self-selection and cater to the learner's contextual needs.

DISCUSSION

AHP knowledge is effectively improved through targeted education programs. To change AHP behavior and patient outcomes, it seems important to incorporate self-selection for the program and consider the learner's individual needs and contexts through mentoring, outreach visits, reflection, and incorporating patient participation in the learning.

Embedding the rehabilitation treatment specification system (RTSS) into clinical practice: an evaluation of a pilot teaching programme

BACKGROUND

Deficiency in the provision and quality of treatment specification by rehabilitation clinicians impairs the ability to differentiate effective from ineffective elements of treatment. The standardised language of the rehabilitation treatment specification system (RTSS) has been proposed as a countermeasure. To date, there is no evidence of its use in clinical practice and what effect it may have. This study aimed to assess the ability of a pilot teaching programme to embed the RTSS into the clinical practice of an inpatient oncology physiotherapy team. The objectives were to evaluate the teaching programme's effect on; participants' familiarity and perceived benefit of the RTSS, its uptake, participants' clinical reasoning, and their feelings and attitudes towards adopting the RTSS. This study provides an evaluation of the pilot teaching programme which will subsequently inform a larger iteration in an ongoing Health Education England (HEE) project aiming to disseminate and embed the RTSS into physiotherapy practice to improve physiotherapists' treatment specification.

METHODS

A 6-week, multi-modal RTSS pilot teaching programme based upon socio-constructivist theory was delivered to 10 inpatient oncology physiotherapists at a large urban UK trust in 2021. Self-reported measures and clinical case note audits were assessed before and after the RTSS teaching programme to evaluate its effect on RTSS familiarity and perceived benefit, uptake, and clinical reasoning. A post-teaching focus group was undertaken. It was qualitatively analysed using an inductive, independent thematic approach to evaluate clinicians' reflection and adoption.

RESULTS

Ten participants (8F, 29.4(±3.5) years) with variable clinical experience completed the RTSS teaching programme (six 1-hour lecture/case-based-learning sessions weekly) with 85% mean attendance. Nine yielded complete data for analyses, and 7 participated in the focus group. There was significant improvements in self-reported familiarity and confidence using the RTSS. Furthermore, there was a significant effect of the teaching on self-reported clinical reasoning overall and specifically in knowledge and theory application. But this was not reflected in clinicians' uptake of RTSS language, nor in the quality of clinical reasoning emergent in their case notes. Qualitative analyses revealed that while clinicians' conceptual understanding and the relative advantage of using the RTSS in practice was pervasive, they articulated that translating its perceived academic disposition into their clinical practice a challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

The RTSS teaching programme was shown to be effective in improving self-reported measures of clinical reasoning, despite clinical uptake of the RTSS remaining low. Future iterations should be tested across physiotherapy specialisms and in a larger sample with consideration of pedagogical and cultural measures to support the clinical diffusion of the RTSS.

Perceived Application and Barriers for Gait Assessment in Physical Therapy Practice in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION

Gait is a major function of independence that determines the quality of life, participation, and restriction. Gait assessment in physical therapy practice is fundamental for assessing musculoskeletal conditions. This study planned to determine the extent and barriers of using gait assessment tools by physical therapists in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

A cross-sectional design was used. A standardized survey was sent through e-mail and social media to physical therapists working in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers in different Saudi Arabian regions.

RESULTS

A total of 320 physical therapists from different regions in Saudi Arabia participated. There was a significant relationship between using gait assessment tools by physical therapists and patient groups (p = 0.002), receiving training (p = 0.001), dealing with patients who suffer from gait problems (p = 0.001), and visiting the gait laboratory (p = 0.001). Physical therapists' use of gait assessment tools for musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia was limited. The primary barrier preventing physical therapists from using gait assessment methods in clinical practice was a lack of resources, including instruments, space, time, and funds.

Use of the knowledge to action model improved physical therapist adherence to a common clinical practice guideline across multiple settings: a multisite case series

BACKGROUND

When a new guideline is published  there is a need to understand how its recommendations can best be implemented in real-world practice. Yet, guidelines are often published with little to no roadmap for organizations to follow to promote adherence to their recommendations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of using a common process model to implement a single clinical practice guideline across multiple physical therapy clinical settings.

METHODS

Five organizationally distinct sites with physical therapy services for patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction participated. The Knowledge to Action model served as the foundation for implementation of a newly published guideline. Site leaders conducted preliminary gap surveys and face-to-face meetings to guide physical therapist stakeholders' identification of target-behaviors for improved guideline adherence. A 6-month multimodal implementation intervention included local opinion leaders, audit and feedback, fatigue-resistant reminders, and communities of practice. Therapist adherence to target-behaviors for the 6 months before and after the intervention was the primary outcome for behavior change.

RESULTS

Therapist participants at all sites indicated readiness for change and commitment to the project. Four sites with more experienced therapists selected similar target behaviors while the fifth, with more inexperienced therapists, identified different goals. Adherence to target behaviors was mixed. Among four sites with similar target behaviors, three had multiple areas of statistically significantly improved adherence and one site had limited improvement. Success was most common with behaviors related to documentation and offering patients low technology resources to support home exercise. A fifth site showed a trend toward improved therapist self-efficacy and therapist behavior change in one provider location.

CONCLUSIONS

The Knowledge to Action model provided a common process model for sites with diverse structures and needs to implement a guideline in practice. Multimodal, active interventions, with a focus on auditing adherence to therapist-selected target behaviors, feedback in collaborative monthly meetings, fatigue-resistant reminders, and developing communities of practice was associated with long-term improvement in adherence. Local rather than external opinion leaders, therapist availability for community building meetings, and rate of provider turnover likely impacted success in this model.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study does not report the results of a health care intervention on human participants.

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Practice in Paediatric Subdiscipline: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

This cross-sectional study explored the behaviour, knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and perceived barriers of paediatric physiotherapists practising in Saudi Arabia regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). Sixty-eight paediatric physiotherapists from Saudi Arabia participated. Data were collected by electronic questionnaire and the Likert scale was used to score knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and barriers to EBP implementation. Approximately 78% of the participants were motivated to use EBP in their daily practise and 82.3% have reported the use of best scientific evidence in their clinical practise. Participants with higher database usage over the last 6 months showed significant association with EBP knowledge scores (t = 2.46, p = 0.01), skills and resources scores (t = 3.81, p < 0.001), and opinion scores (t = 2.43, p = 0.01). Furthermore, a higher level of education in participants was significantly associated with EBP knowledge scores (t = 2.41, p = 0.01). Most paediatric physiotherapists believed that EBP is essential in their clinical practise as it improves patient care and quality of health services. Difficulty in obtaining full-text papers and lack of time were identified as major barriers to implementing EBP followed by the lack of management support, motivation in research, and EBP training.

Current physical therapy practice and implementation factors regarding the evidence-based 'Rehabilitation of Mobility after Stroke (ReMoS)' guideline in Germany: a cross-sectional online survey

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the current physical therapy practice for German stroke rehabilitation with respect to the 'Rehabilitation of Mobility after Stroke (ReMoS)' guideline recommendations and the associated implementation factors.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study employing an online survey was performed among German physical therapists in 2019. The survey consisted of three sections with open and closed questions: 1) self-reported use of ReMoS recommendations, 2) barriers of guideline use and 3) socio-demographic characteristics. The benchmark level for guideline adherent physical therapy was set at > 80%.

RESULTS

Data from 170 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. Participants' mean age was 41.6 years, 69.4% were female, while 60.1% had no academic degree. The ReMoS guideline was unknown to 52.9% of the responders. Out of all the 46 ReMoS guideline recommendations, only 'intensive walking training without a treadmill' was reported to be performed in a guideline adherent manner. Respondents usually denied any personal limitations, such as limited knowledge, or that the ReMoS guideline did not fit their routine practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Among German physical therapists, the ReMoS guideline is not well-known and many interventions are not performed as recommended, illustrating the discrepancies between the ReMoS guideline recommendations and current physical therapy practice. Interventions aimed at overcoming this gap should consider both knowledge of existing barriers and facilitators of guideline usage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was retrospectively registered to the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00026681 ).

Barriers to Physiotherapists’ Use of Professional Development Tools for Chronic Pain: A Knowledge Translation Study

Purpose: The Pain Science Division (PSD) is a special interest group of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association that serves physiotherapists who have an interest in better understanding and managing patients’ pain. The PSD developed evidence-based resources for its members with the goal of improving patient care by supporting professional development. However, online metrics tracking access to these resources indicated that access was low. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers PSD members encountered to the use of PSD resources and to recommend interventions to address these barriers guided by the Theory and Techniques Tool (TTT). Method: We distributed an online survey to PSD members across Canada. We used the TTT, a knowledge translation tool, to guide the design of the questionnaire and identify actionable findings. Results: Response rates from 621 non-student members and 1,470 student members were 26.9% and 1.4%, respectively. Based on the frequency of practicing physiotherapists’ ( N = 167) agreement with items in the TTT, the primary barriers to use of the PSD resources were forgetting that the resources were available and forgetting to use them. Conclusions: The TTT can be used to identify barriers to use of professional development tools.

Improved adherence to clinical guidelines for low back pain after implementation of the BetterBack model of care: A stepped cluster randomized controlled trial within a hybrid type 2 trial

BACKGROUND

The BetterBack model of care (MoC) for low back pain (LBP) was recently developed in Swedish physiotherapy (PT) primary care.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if PTs' adherence to LBP clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) improves after implementation of the BetterBack MoC (intervention).

METHODS

This was a stepped, single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial. Patients nested in the three clusters were allocated to routine care (n = 222) or intervention (n = 278). The primary outcome was referral to specialist consultation. This was among five best practice recommendations divided into an assessment quality index (no referral to specialist consultation and no medical imaging) and a treatment quality index (use of educational interventions; use of exercise interventions; no use of non-evidence-based physiotherapy). For overall adherence, patients had to be treated with all five recommendations fulfilled. Logistic regression was used for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients receiving referral to specialist consultation during the PT treatment period was low in both groups with no between-group differences. However, patients in the intervention group showed significantly higher assessment quality index, treatment quality index and overall adherence compared to routine care. Adherence to the separate recommendations showed improved stratified number of visits, use of exercise was maintained high, patient educational intervention increased and use of non-evidence-based physiotherapy decreased. A reduction of medical imaging during the physiotherapy treatment period was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of CPGs could be substantially improved by introducing a MoC through PT training and supportive materials.

American Physical Therapy Association Clinical Practice Guideline Implementation for Neck and Low Back Pain in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Nonrandomized, Cross-sectional Stepped-Wedge Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a multifaceted implementation strategy for American Physical Therapy Association neck and low back pain clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was associated with changes in clinician and patient outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional stepped-wedge pilot study.

METHODS

Physical therapy clinics (n = 9) were allocated to 1 of 4 clusters that varied by CPG implementation timing. Clinics crossed over from usual care (control) to CPG implementation (intervention) every 8 weeks and ended with a 24-week follow-up period. Implementation outcomes were measured at the clinician (perspectives and behaviors) and patient (pain and disability outcomes) levels. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize clinician perspectives and behaviors. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze patient-level outcomes data (pain and disability) and total number of physical therapy visits.

RESULTS

Improvements in several clinician perspectives about CPGs were observed 8 weeks after training and sustained at 16 weeks (P<.05), although it is unclear whether these changes were meaningful. Training on CPGs was relevant to physical therapists and more acceptable at 16 weeks (P<.05). In a random sample (n = 764/1994, 38.3%), the overall rate of CPG classification was 65.0% (n = 497/764), and CPG intervention concordance was 71.2% (n = 354/497). Implementation of a CPG was not associated with final pain and disability scores (P>.05) but was associated with an approximate increase of 8% in total visits.

CONCLUSION

Our multifaceted implementation strategy was associated with statistical changes in clinician perspectives and behaviors, but not in patient outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(2):113-123. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10545.

Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Saudi Physiotherapists Toward Evidence-Based Practice: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained significant importance in clinical practice worldwide, including physiotherapy, but there are limited studies that have assessed the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of Saudi physiotherapists toward EBP.

Objective:

To determine the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and experience of Saudi physiotherapists in public hospitals of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia toward EBP as well as identify barriers that limit the integration of EBP in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional design included all Saudi physiotherapists working in four major tertiary hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire was used to elicit responses. The association between attitudes, awareness, and knowledge scores and the demographic data such as age group, years of experience, and level of education was assessed.

Results:

The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 171 physiotherapists, of which 118 (69%) responded. About 90% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that EBP is necessary for clinical practice. However, about 25%, 19%, and 18% of the participants reported that EBP does not consider clinical limitations, support physiotherapy intervention, or consider patients' physiotherapy preferences, respectively. The most common barrier in the implementation of EBP in daily clinical practice was insufficient time (>50%), followed by self-efficacy in retrieving evidence from the literature and translating research findings into clinical practice. Years of experience, age, and gender were significant factors associated with physiotherapists' beliefs and attitudes toward implementing EBP.

Conclusions:

Although EBP was favored, several barriers exist that hinder its adoption by physiotherapists. Institutional support and research skill development may help accelerate EBP adoption levels and should be considered by policymakers.

Is implementation research out of step with implementation practice? Pathways to effective implementation support over the last decade

Background: There is growing interest in the lived experience of professionals who provide implementation support (i.e., implementation support practitioners). However, there remains limited knowledge about their experiences and how those experiences can contribute to the knowledge base on what constitutes successful and sustainable implementation support models. This study aimed to examine pathways of implementation support practice, as described by experienced professionals actively supporting systems' uptake and sustainment of evidence to benefit children and families. Methods: Seventeen individuals with extensive experience providing implementation support in various settings participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and episode profile analysis approaches. Iterative diagramming was used to visualize the various pathways of implementation support practitioners' role reflection and transformation evidenced by the interview data. Results: Findings highlighted rich pathways of implementation support practitioners' role reflection and transformation. Participants described their roots in providing implementation support as it relates to implementing and expanding the use of evidence-based programs and practices in child and family services. Almost all participants reflected on the early stages of their careers providing implementation support and described a trajectory starting with the use of "push models," which evolved into "pull models" and eventually "co-creation or exchange models" of implementation support involving both technical and relational skills. Conclusions: Developing an implementation support workforce will require a deeper understanding of this lived experience to prevent repeated use of strategies observed to be unsuccessful by those most proximal to the work. The pathways for implementation practice in this study highlight impressive leaps forward in the field of implementation over the last 15 years and speaks to the importance of the professionals leading change efforts in this growth.

Plain Language Summary

Over the past few years, professionals in the field of implementation science have identified a growing gap between implementation research and implementation practice. While this issue has been highlighted informally, the field is lacking a shared understanding and clear way forward to reconcile this gap. In this paper, the authors describe how professionals providing implementation support have shifted their implementation practice over time through systematic observations of what works (and what does not work) for supporting and sustaining evidence use in service systems to improve population outcomes. The authors share the impressive leaps forward made in the field of implementation practice - from didactic training to responsive and tailored implementation strategies to co-created and relationship-based implementation solutions. The paper concludes with a call to action to the field for the creation of a virtuous learning cycle between professionals conducting implementation research and professionals providing implementation support to change practice as a way to produce a more robust and relevant science of implementation.

Development and Results of an Implementation Plan for High-Intensity Gait Training

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High-intensity gait training is recommended in stroke rehabilitation to improve gait speed, walking distance, and balance. However, identifying effective and efficient implementation methods is a challenge for rehabilitation providers. This article describes the development of an implementation plan, presents findings of each implementation phase, and identifies the project's impact on clinicians and the health system.

METHODS

Two inpatient rehabilitation facilities, including 9 physical therapists, collaborated with a knowledge translation center to implement this program. We developed an implementation plan using the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers and select implementation strategies. Using mix-methods research, including surveys and informal discussions, we evaluated current practice, barriers, outcomes, and the sustainability of high-intensity gait training in practice.

RESULTS

A multicomponent implementation plan that targeted barriers was developed. Before implementation, clinicians reported providing several balance, strength training, and gait interventions to improve walking. Barriers to using high-intensity gait training included knowledge, beliefs, adaptability of high-intensity gait training, resources, culture, and others. Twenty-six implementation strategies were selected to target the barriers. Surveys and informal discussions identified significant changes in perceived practice, adoption of high-intensity gait training, and positive impacts on the health system. The 2-year follow-up survey indicated that the new practice was sustained.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Using a multicomponent implementation plan that targeted barriers, we successfully implemented high-intensity gait training in clinical practice. Contributors to successful implementation may include the implementation methods, usual care interventions, and clinicians' readiness for this change.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A352.).

Individual and organizational factors associated with evidence-based practice among physical and occupational therapy recent graduates: A cross-sectional national study

BACKGROUND

Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) programs in Canada have moved to graduate-level entry education to address graduates' readiness for evidence-based practice (EBP). Whether rehabilitation professionals with advanced training in EBP are meeting their responsibilities as evidence-based professionals upon entry into practice and the factors that influence the use of evidence is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the individual and organizational factors associated with the use of EBP and supporting evidence-based activities among graduates of professional OT and PT master's programs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design using a survey of recent graduates of the 29 OT and PT programs in Canada. The survey measured six constructs supportive of EBP (ie, knowledge, attitudes, confidence, organizational resources, actual use of EBP, and evidence-based activities). Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and the different variables and ordinal multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

257 graduates (15%) completed the survey. Attitudes towards EBP was positively associated both with evidence-based activities (odds ratio = 1.36 with a 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.52) and use of EBP (odds ratio = 1.23 with a 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.36); greater confidence was related to greater use of EBP (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24); and working in a private practice setting was found to be related to performing more evidence-based activities (odds ratio = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.40 to 7.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a greater focus on EBP knowledge in these curricula across Canada, knowledge was not related to EBP use nor evidence-based activities upon entry into practice. On the other hand, attitudes, confidence and working in private practice were. University programs should consider curricular strategies that increase the use of EBP, provide opportunities to engage in evidence-based activities with an emphasis on promoting the development of positive attitudes towards EBP and increasing learners' confidence in their ability to be evidence-based professionals.

How to contextualize training on guideline-uptake for your setting

One knowledge translation method, of putting evidence into practice, is the use of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). The purpose of this brief report is to describe an 8-step process of "how to" contextualize a training programme to increase CPG-uptake for a targeted audience in a clearly defined setting. This process may assist implementation practitioners to fast-track the development of contextualized training to improve CPG-uptake.

Barriers to evidence-based practice implementation in physiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To review and meta-analyse the evidence about the prevalence of barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) reported in physiotherapy.

METHODS

Two independent investigators conducted an extensive electronic search in EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases from their inception to July 2020 and included the retrieved articles if they investigated barriers to EBP among physiotherapy professionals. Subsequently, they extracted data and assessed the methodological quality using a scale described in a similar previous study. The outcome for meta-analysis was frequency of each reported barrier. Sub-analyses were performed grouping studies based on countries where surveys were performed, classified as either developed or developing countries.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles were included in the systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Risk of bias assessment of included studies showed a median score: 4 points (interquartile range: 3-4). The findings of meta-analysis revealed that lack of time was the most frequently reported barrier (53.0% [95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 44.0-62.0]), followed by language (36.0% [95%CI 16.0-62.0]), lack of access (34.0% [95%CI 23.0.27]) and lack of statistical skills (31.0% [95%CI 20.0-44.0]). Lack of skills and lack of generalizability were declared as barriers by 27.0% [95%CI 18.0-38.0] and 23.0% [95%CI 15.0-33.0] of responders, respectively. Lack of support and lack of interest are less frequent, with 16.0% [95%CI 11.0-24.0] and 9.0% [95%CI 6.0-15.0] of responses, respectively. Barriers reported in investigations performed in developed countries were less frequent when compared to those performed in developing countries.

CONCLUSION

Organizational issues and methodological skills seem key issues to allow the implementation of EBP, suggesting the need to adopt or enhance organizational and training strategies to facilitate the implementation of the EBP. Quantitative synthesis showed high heterogeneity for all analyses, and therefore, pooled data should be interpreted with caution.

Evidence-based practice by physiotherapists in UAE: Investigating behavior, attitudes, awareness, knowledge and barriers

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an important factor determining the quality of healthcare. The field of physiotherapy is still limited by indirect access in several countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which creates added pressure to justify the merit in its practitioner’s capabilities. This study explores the behavior, attitudes, awareness and knowledge towards EBP among practicing physiotherapists in the UAE. It also enquires about their perception of the barriers in the implementation of EBP. Using a questionnaire survey of 258 physiotherapists, results show that the awareness of EBP is limited to a few terms including EBP, systematic literature review, and random trials while other terms associated with scientific studies are not known well. The attitude towards EBP was found to be significantly related to the knowledge of EBP (r = 0.208) and the perception of barriers to it (r = 0.156). The EBP behavior was found positively related to its knowledge (r = 0.134) and the perception of barriers (r = 0.216). The physiotherapists prefer to use their own experience and books and research articles to apply EBP but do not consider their peers to be as worthy sources as the others. However, their attitudes towards EBP are largely positive though their perception of barriers grows with better knowledge and understanding of EBP. The barriers in the implementation of EBP are a lack of research knowledge and skills, time, support, and resources which indicate opportunities for the decision-makers to improve the adoption of EBP among these professionals. This study concluded that although physiotherapists in the UAE claim awareness about EBP, their knowledge is limited to a few key terms whereas, attention is needed to improve EBP knowledge and practice.

Scoping reviews in medical education: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Over the last two decades, the number of scoping reviews in core medical education journals has increased by 4200%. Despite this growth, research on scoping reviews provides limited information about their nature, including how they are conducted or why medical educators undertake this knowledge synthesis type. This gap makes it difficult to know where the field stands and may hamper attempts to improve the conduct, reporting and utility of scoping reviews. Thus, this review characterises the nature of medical education scoping reviews to identify areas for improvement and highlight future research opportunities.

METHOD

The authors searched PubMed for scoping reviews published between 1/1999 and 4/2020 in 14 medical education journals. The authors extracted and summarised key bibliometric data, the rationales given for conducting a scoping review, the research questions and key reporting elements as described in the PRISMA-ScR. Rationales and research questions were mapped to Arksey and O'Malley's reasons for conducting a scoping review.

RESULTS

One hundred and one scoping reviews were included. On average, 10.1 scoping reviews (SD = 13.1, median = 4) were published annually with the most reviews published in 2019 (n = 42). Authors described multiple reasons for undertaking scoping reviews; the most prevalent being to summarise and disseminate research findings (n = 77). In 11 reviews, the rationales for the scoping review and the research questions aligned. No review addressed all elements of the PRISMA-ScR, with few authors publishing a protocol (n = 2) or including stakeholders (n = 20). Authors identified shortcomings of scoping reviews, including lack of critical appraisal.

CONCLUSIONS

Scoping reviews are increasingly conducted in medical education and published by most core journals. Scoping reviews aim to map the depth and breadth of emerging topics; as such, they have the potential to play a critical role in the practice, policy and research of medical education. However, these results suggest improvements are needed for this role to be fully realised.

Time as a barrier to evidence uptake-A qualitative exploration of the concept of time for clinical practice guideline uptake by physiotherapists

BACKGROUND

Lack of time has consistently been reported as a major barrier to effective research evidence uptake into clinical practice. There has been no research to our knowledge that explores time as a barrier within the transtheoretical model of stages of change (SoC), to better understand the processes of physiotherapists' uptake of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). This article explores the concept of lack of time as a barrier for CPG uptake for physiotherapists at different SoC.

METHODS

A six-step process is presented to determine the best-fit SoC for 31 physiotherapy interviewees. This process used an amalgamation of interview findings and socio-demographic data, which was layered onto the SoC and previously identified time-barriers to CPG uptake (few staff, high workload, access to CPGs, evidence-based practice as priority in clinical practice, 'time is money' attitude and knowledge on the use of CPGs).

RESULTS

The analysis process highlighted the complexities of assigning individuals to a SoC. A model of time management for better CPG uptake is proposed which is a novel approach to assist evidence implementalists and clinicians alike to determine how to progress through the SoC and barriers to improve CPG uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt at exploring the construct of (lack of) time for CPG uptake in relation to the physiotherapists' readiness to behaviour change. This study shows that 'lack of time' is a euphemism for quite different barriers, which map to different stages of readiness to embrace current best evidence into physiotherapy practice. By understanding what is meant by 'lack of time', it may indicate specific support required by physiotherapists at different stages of changing these behaviours.

A national cross-sectional survey of the attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice amongst Spanish osteopaths

Background

Although evidence-based practice (EBP) is largely supported across healthcare professions, its implementation in manual therapy professions such as osteopathy remains limited and debated. There is currently little knowledge of how Spanish osteopaths relate to EBP.

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes, skills and use of EBP among Spanish osteopaths. A secondary aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for the adoption of EBP in the Spanish osteopathic context.

Methods

National cross-sectional survey of Spanish osteopaths registered and non-registered to an osteopathic association in Spain. Eligible participants were invited by a range of recruitment strategies including email and social media campaigns to complete the Spanish-translated Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization Survey (EBASE) anonymously online.

Results

A total of 567 osteopaths completed the survey which represents an approximate response rate of 9%. Participant’s attitudes toward EBP were largely positive. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that EBP was necessary in the practice of osteopathy (89.6%) and that professional literature and research findings were useful to their day-to-day practice (88.9%). Levels of perceived skill in EBP were reported as low to moderate with lowest levels for items related to ‘research conduct’. Except reading/reviewing professional literature and using online search engines to find practice-related literature, participant engagement in all other EBP-related activities was generally infrequent. The perceived proportion of clinical practice that was based on clinical research evidence was reported to be very small. Main barriers to EBP uptake included a lack of clinical evidence in osteopathy and insufficient skills for applying research findings. Main facilitators of EBP uptake included access to full-text articles, internet at the workplace and online databases.

Conclusions

Spanish osteopaths were largely supportive of evidence-based practice, had low to moderate skills in EBP and engaged in EBP activities infrequently. Formal regulation of the profession in Spain and the inclusion of osteopathic programs into the university sector would potentially improve EBP skills and use.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06128-6.

Knowledge Translation Research to Promote Behavior Changes in Rehabilitation: Use of Theoretical Frameworks and Tailored Interventions: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To describe knowledge translation (KT) research as a means of changing practice behaviors in rehabilitation. We specifically aimed to explore how theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) are used to guide KT, guide methods to tailor KT interventions, and evaluate outcomes. We hypothesized these methods would have increased over the past 10 years.

DATA SOURCES

We identified articles through searches conducted using databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, PubMed, Academic Search Premier, and previous reviews from January 2000 to April 2020. Search terms included physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, knowledge translation, and knowledge-to-action (KTA).

STUDY SELECTION

Two authors interpedently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Studies were included if behavior change of rehabilitation practitioners was measured. Systematic reviews, protocols, and capacity-building interventions were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Three authors extracted information on study design, theoretical frameworks, intervention strategies, and outcome evaluation.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Fifty-six studies were included in the review. Sixteen (29%) reported the use of a theoretical framework to guide the KT process. Since 2013, the KTA framework was used 35% of the time. Twenty-two studies (39%) reported barrier assessments to tailor interventions, and 82% were published after 2013. However, barrier assessment in the local context was only conducted 64% of the time. Outcomes of tailored interventions were most frequently measured using chart audits (50%) and questionnaires (41%). Further, the link between KT theory, specific barriers, and selection of intervention strategies was not consistently described.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 7 years, there has been an increase in the use of KT TMFs and tailored interventions. Recommendations for future research include the use of TMFs to guide local barrier assessment, KT strategy selection, intervention development, and overall KT process and mapping barriers to selected intervention strategies.

Standardizing Outcome Assessment in Parkinson Disease: A Knowledge Translation Project

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rehabilitation therapists do not consistently utilize standardized outcome measures. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a tailored knowledge translation (KT) intervention to facilitate application of standardized outcome measures used in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) receiving outpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS

Four clinics within a hospital-based outpatient system including physical therapists (n = 7) and occupational therapists (n = 2) collaborated with researcher clinicians. A mixed-methods study, using the knowledge to action (KTA) framework, was executed to standardize the assessment battery completed on patients with PD. The project was titled iKNOW-PD (integrating KNOWledge translation for Parkinson Disease).

RESULTS

Four measures were selected for iKNOW-PD (9-Hole Peg Test, miniBESTest, 10-m walk test, and 5 times sit-to-stand). A multimodal intervention that overcame specific identified barriers (equipment, time) was implemented to ensure successful uptake. Consistency of utilizing iKNOW-PD measures on initial evaluation and discharge, across therapists and clinics, was evaluated. Therapists significantly increased the use of iKNOW-PD measures from 1.9 to 3.1 on initial evaluation (P < 0.001). The 10-meter walk test demonstrated the greatest uptake (>50%) from pre-iKNOW-PD to post-iKNOW-PD.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Standardizing outcome assessment for persons with PD in an outpatient setting can be successfully implemented. Overcoming identified barriers and capitalizing on facilitators promoted the uptake of standardized outcomes. Following the 6-month intervention period, therapists endorsed an improvement in their application of standardized measures and labeled iKNOW-PD as a positive experience that allowed them to minimize variability in practice.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A329).

Applying the Knowledge-to-Action Framework to Implement Gait and Balance Assessments in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

The overall objectives of this project were to implement and sustain use of a gait assessment battery (GAB) that included the Berg Balance Scale, 10-meter walk test, and 6-minute walk test during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. The study objective was to assess the effect of the study intervention on clinician adherence to the recommendations and its effect on clinician perceptions and the organization.

DESIGN

Pre- and post-training intervention study.

SETTING

Subacute inpatient rehabilitation facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Physical therapists (N=6) and physical therapist assistants (N=2).

INTERVENTION

The intervention comprised a bundle of activities, including codeveloping and executing the plan with clinicians and leaders. The multicomponent implementation plan was based on the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and included implementation facilitation, implementation leadership, and a bundle of knowledge translation interventions that targeted barriers. Implementation was an iterative process in which results from one implementation phase informed planning of the next phase.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinician administration adherence, surveys of perceptions, and organizational outcomes.

RESULTS

Initial adherence to the GAB was 46% and increased to more than 85% after 6 months. These adherence levels remained consistent 48 months after implementation. Clinician perceptions of measure use were initially high (>63%), with significant improvements in knowledge and use of one measure after implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully implemented the assessment battery with high levels of adherence to recommendations, likely because of using the bundle of knowledge translation activities, facilitation, and use of a framework to codevelop the plan. These changes in practice were sustainable, as determined by a 4-year follow-up.

Tailored training for physiotherapists on the use of clinical practice guidelines: A mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are vehicles for translating evidence into practice, but effective CPG-uptake requires targeted training. This mixed methods research project took a staged evidence-based approach to develop and test a tailored training programme (TTP) that addressed organisational and individual factors influencing CPG-uptake by South African physiotherapists treating patients with low back pain in primary healthcare settings.

METHODS

This multi-stage mixed methods study reports the development, contextualisation and expert content validation of a TTP to improve CPG-uptake. Finally, the TTP was evaluated for its feasibility and acceptability in its current format.

RESULTS

The TTP (delivered online and face-to-face) contained minimal theory, and focussing on practical activities, clinical scenarios and discussions. Pre-TTP, physiotherapists expressed skepticism about the relevance of CPG in daily practice. However, post-TTP they demonstrated improved knowledge, confidence, and commitment to CPG-uptake.

DISCUSSION

The phased-construction of the TTP addressed South African primary healthcare physiotherapists' needs and concerns, using validated evidence-based educational approaches. The TTP content, delivered by podcasts and face-to-face contact, was feasible and acceptable in terms of physiotherapists' time constraints, and it appeared to be effective in improving all outcome domains. This TTP is now ready for intervention to a wider audience.

Experiences and attitudes toward scientific research among physiotherapists in Austria: a cross-sectional online survey

INTRODUCTION

Research is important for the development of physiotherapy practice, but several countries have a rather short history of physiotherapy as an academic profession.

PURPOSE

This study investigated physiotherapists' experiences and attitudes toward scientific research in Austria, where physiotherapists have only been qualifying at bachelor level since 2009.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 597 qualified physiotherapists completed an anonymous cross-sectional online survey.

RESULTS

Most respondents were female (n = 467, 78.2%) and in age groups between: 26-35 years (n = 149, 25.0%); 36-45 years (n = 178, 29.8%); and 46-55 years (n = 173, 29.0%). Seventeen respondents (2.8%) held doctoral degrees, and 61 (10.2%) had substantial research experience beyond undergraduate or master-level student research. More positive research attitudes were observed in participants who were male, younger, without children, had completed their physiotherapy qualification since 2009, were engaged in teaching and education, and held postgraduate degrees. Most frequently reported barriers and/or enabling factors for physiotherapy research were time, training, finances and a "critical mass" of research activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight low levels of research activity among physiotherapists in Austria, despite general appreciation of the importance of research for the profession. The identified attitudinal profiles, barriers, and facilitators may inform initiatives for advancing physiotherapy research in the Austrian context.

Which Learning Activities Enhance Physical Therapist Practice? Part 1: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Quantitative Studies

OBJECTIVE

Following graduation from professional education, the development of clinical expertise requires career-long participation in learning activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which learning activities enhanced physical therapist practice.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched for studies published from inception through December 2018. Articles reporting quantitative data evaluating the effectiveness of learning activities completed by qualified physical therapists were included. Study characteristics and results were extracted from the 26 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria. Clinician (knowledge, affective attributes, and behavior) and patient-related outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

There was limited evidence that professional development courses improved physical therapist knowledge. There was low-level evidence that peer assessment and feedback were more effective than case discussion at improving knowledge (standardized mean difference = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.09-0.62). Results were inconsistent for the effect of learning activities on affective attributes. Courses with active learning components appeared more effective at changing physical therapist behavior. The completion of courses by physical therapists did not improve patient outcomes; however, the addition of a mentored patient interaction appeared impactful.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests active approaches, such as peer assessment and mentored patient interactions, should be used when designing learning activities for physical therapists. Further high-quality research focused on evaluating the impact of active learning interventions on physical therapist practice and patient outcomes is now needed.

IMPACT

This study is a first step in determining which learning activities enhance clinical expertise and practice would enable the physical therapy profession to make informed decisions about the allocation of professional development resources.

Twenty-five years after the introduction of Evidence-based Medicine: knowledge, use, attitudes and barriers among physiotherapists in Italy - a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the knowledge, use, attitudes towards Evidence-based Medicine, also known as Evidence-based Practice (EBP), and perceived barriers to its dissemination among physiotherapists.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Members of the Italian Association of Physiotherapists (n=2000) were invited to participate in an online survey about EBP knowledge and use.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The survey questionnaire comprised four sections: (1) respondent characteristics; (2) knowledge of EBP principles; (3) attitude, use and perceived effectiveness of EBP; (4) perceived barriers to implementing EBP in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Out of 2000 physiotherapists, 1289 participated in the survey (64.5% response rate). Overall, 90% perceived EBP as useful and necessary for their clinical practice. More than 85% stated that they were familiar with the principles of EBP, 75% reported that they were able to search online databases for relevant information and 60% reported that they were able to understand statistical analyses. However, 56% believed that patient preferences and 39% that clinical expertise are not part of the EBP model. Half stated that they understood and could explain the term 'meta-analysis' but only 17% knew what a forest plot is and just 20% correctly judged the finding of a given meta-analysis. Lack of time was reported as the main barrier to EBP.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Italian physiotherapists overrated their knowledge about EBP, demonstrating a gap between perceived and actual knowledge of EBP in this population.

Factors influencing clinical practice guideline uptake by South African physiotherapists: A qualitative investigation of barriers and facilitators

RATIONALE

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) should provide busy health care professionals with easy-to-use tools that support efficient uptake of current best evidence in daily clinical practice. However, CPG uptake rarely occurs at the speed of evidence production. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing CPG uptake among South African (SA) physiotherapists (PTs).

METHOD

An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study design was used, within an interpretative research paradigm. A phenomenological approach was taken, as the study aimed to explore the phenomenon of CPG uptake by SA PTs and how the themes and subthemes related to each other within this phenomenon. Semistructured interviews were undertaken via telephone calls that were audiotaped and independently transcribed. An inductive and deductive thematic content analysis approach was taken where the transcript content was analysed by hand.

FINDINGS

Thirty-one PTs from the private, public, and education sectors participated in the interviews. The main themes identified were resources, training, and organizational factors. The SA PT workforce, particularly that in the public sector, is limited and patient load and need is high. Time to implement and stay up-to-date with current evidence were barriers for many interviewees. Participants also perceived CPG uptake as not being financially rewarding. Training in CPG uptake was mostly perceived as a facilitator, and the PTs felt that they would be more inclined to implement CPGs if they felt more confident in how to source and use CPGs, particularly if they were incentivized to undertake such training. Roles, responsibilities, and power in the health care team were perceived as being both organizational barriers and, conversely, facilitators, depending on work environments.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study generally concur with previous studies about PT barriers to CPG uptake; however, it provides novel information on barrier contexts in one LMIC with complex PT service delivery.

State of the art: What have the pain sciences brought to physiotherapy?

Background

Pain is the most common reason for patients to seek help from a health care professional. In the past few decades, research has yielded gains in the Pain Sciences - multiple fields of scientific research that, when integrated, help to clarify what causes and influences human pain.

Objectives

In this article, we discuss the key areas in which the Pain Sciences have shifted the physiotherapy profession.

Method

A narrative review of the Pain Sciences literature was conducted. The review analyses how the Pain Sciences have influenced physiotherapy in several categories: assessment; clinical reasoning; treatment; research rigor and building the profile of the profession.

Results

Scientific research on pain has largely converged in support of three ‘game-changing’ concepts that have shifted the physiotherapy profession’s understanding and treatment of pain: (1) pain is not a signal originating from bodily tissues, (2) pain is not an accurate measure of tissue damage and (3) the plasticity of the nervous system means the nervous system itself is a viable target of treatment. These three concepts have influenced physiotherapy assessment and treatment approaches, and research design to consider pain mechanisms using patient-centred models.

Conclusion

The Pain Sciences have shifted physiotherapists’ assessment and treatment approaches and shifted the status of the physiotherapy profession. Ultimately the Pain Sciences have embedded interdisciplinary teams and expanded physiotherapy practice.

Clinical implications

We believe that the pain sciences should be embedded in undergraduate and postgraduate education and training of physiotherapists (including the three key concepts regarding pain) to benefit physiotherapists and their patients.

Physical therapists' perspectives of the construct of motor learning, and their motor learning-based practice: a qualitative study

Introduction: The perceptions and beliefs of physical therapists play an important role in their clinical behavior. These clinician-related aspects may contribute to the knowledge-action gap in the field of motor learning (ML). Accordingly, this study explored how a sample of physical therapists perceive ML in their practice.Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Twelve physical therapists with a wide range of work experience were purposefully selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis methodology. Themes and categories were identified.Results: We identified five key themes: 1) 'ML within the scope of PT' showed that participants perceived ML as a fundamental part of the profession; 2) 'Understanding of ML' showed that participants had difficulty understanding the field comprehensively; 3) 'Self-efficacy toward the topic of ML' revealed that participants had low self-efficacy about their knowledge of the topic; 4) 'Features of ML implementation' showed that physical therapists tended to implement ML intuitively; and 5) 'Barriers to implementation and ways to facilitate it' showed that lack of knowledge was perceived as a main barrier to implementation.Conclusions: Physical therapists' perceptions of and experiences with ML showed the complexity of the field and the lack of clarity regarding its theoretical content and clinical applications. There is a need to reinforce knowledge of ML among physical therapists at different levels of professional development and to promote self-efficacy toward its use, possibly by increasing ML knowledge and education while emphasizing its clinical context.

Nutrition Knowledge Translation Performance in Health Professionals: Findings from the 2017 Unified Forces Preventive Nutrition Conference (UFPN)

Background: Dietitians and other health care professionals must be able to translate findings from clinical trials into best treatment practices, a skill termed “knowledge translation”. This skill requires knowledge of treatment guidelines as well as the science underpinning treatment recommendations. Unsatisfactory knowledge translation of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) has been documented. Methods: Individuals registered to attend a leading national nutrition conference were asked to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. Participants were asked to provide demographic and professional information, answer questions on nutrition knowledge and to choose a clinical action plan in response to dietitian-designed case vignettes describing research outcomes. Responses were compared by profession and participation in research activities. Results: Of 3000 registered conference attendees, 299 individuals replied: 79.0% dietitians, 93.3% female, with a mean household income matching the 5th decile of income, 60.7% indicated a single employment setting, 20.7% reported participating in research. Almost 74% of respondents indicated that they would make clinical recommendations based on findings of an in vitro study. In one vignette, a patient with a disease previously not encountered by the respondent required a clinical treatment plan. Only 53% of participants chose to seek formal nutrition guidelines. Fewer than 15% of participants could identify the pathway for fat during weight loss. Differences in knowledge translation skills by research participation were not detected. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a deficit in knowledge translation proficiency in a convenience sample of dietitians and other health professionals, highlighting the need to develop these skills.

Agreement is very low between a clinical prediction rule and physiotherapist assessment for classifying the risk of poor recovery of individuals with acute whiplash injury

BACKGROUND

A prognostic clinical prediction rule (whiplash CPR) has been validated for use in individuals with acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD). The clinical utility of this tool is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate: 1) the level of agreement between physiotherapist- and whiplash CPR-determined prognostic risk classification of people with acute WAD; 2) which clinical findings are used by physiotherapists to classify prognostic risk; and 3) whether physiotherapists plan to differ the number of treatment sessions provided based on prognostic risk classification.

DESIGN

Pragmatic, observational.

METHOD

38 adults with acute WAD were classified as low, medium, or high risk of poor recovery by their treating physiotherapist (n = 24) at the conclusion of the initial consultation. A weighted Cohen's kappa examined the agreement between physiotherapist estimated risk classification and the whiplash CPR. Physiotherapists' reasons for classification were provided and summarised descriptively. Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn's tests compared projected number of treatment sessions between risk subgroups.

RESULTS

Physiotherapist agreement with the whiplash CPR occurred in 29% of cases (n = 11/38), which was less than what is expected by chance (K = -0.03; 95%CI -0.17 to 0.12). Physiotherapists most frequently considered range of movement (n = 23/38, 61%), a premorbid pain condition (n = 14/38, 37%), response to initial physiotherapy treatment (n = 12/38, 32%), and pain intensity (n = 12/38, 32%) when classifying prognostic risk. The projected number of treatment sessions was not different between risk groups using classifications provided by the physiotherapists (χ²(2) = 2.69, p = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapists should consider incorporating the whiplash CPR into current assessment processes to enhance accuracy in prognostic decision-making.