scholarly journals Theory-Based Study of the Basic Values of 565 Physical Therapists

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (9) ◽  
pp. 834-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry J Nosse ◽  
Lilach Sagiv

Abstract Background and Purpose There is a prevailing belief expressed in the physical therapy literature that values influence behavioral choices. There is, however, meager research on physical therapists' values. A values theory was used to study the organization of physical therapists' basic values and to generate hypotheses about age-related value priority differences. SubjectsParticipants were volunteers from the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (N=565). Methods Values importance ratings were gathered using a modified Schwartz Values Survey. Demographic data were obtained with an investigator-developed questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive and nonparametric statistics and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Results The organizational structure of therapists' values was similar to the theoretical model. Physical therapists rated values associated with benevolence as most important and values associated with power as least important. Three of 7 age-related hypotheses were supported. Discussion and Conclusion The theory adequately explained the organization of physical therapists' values and provided rational explanations for age-based value priority differences. Compared with occupationally heterogeneous samples, the results suggest that physical therapists highly prize values that benefit others and give remarkably little importance to values associated with power.

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 1597-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago S. Jesus ◽  
Gerald Koh ◽  
Michel Landry ◽  
Peck-Hoon Ong ◽  
António M.F. Lopes ◽  
...  

Finding the “right-size” physical therapy workforce is an increasingly important issue, but it has had limited study, particularly across nations. This perspective article provides a comprehensive examination of physical therapy workforce issues across 4 countries (United States, Singapore, Portugal, and Bangladesh), which were deliberately selected to allow consideration of key contextual factors. This investigation provides a theoretical model uniquely adapted to focus on variables most likely to affect physical therapy workforce needs. This theoretical model was used to guide acquisition of public domain data across the respective countries. The data then were used to provide a contextualized interpretation about the physical therapy workforce supply (ie, physical therapists per capita) across the 4 countries in light of the following factors: indicators of physical therapy need, financial and administrative barriers affecting physical therapy access and demand, the proportion of physical therapy graduates (with varying trends over time across the countries), and the role of emigration/immigration in supply inequalities among countries of lower and higher income. In addition, both the physical therapy workforce supply and scope of practice were analyzed in the context of other related professions across the 4 countries. This international comparison indicated that there may not be a “one-size-fits-all” recommendation for physical therapy workforce supply across countries or an ideal formula for its determination. The optimal, country-specific physical therapy workforce supply appears to be affected by discipline-specific health care and contextual factors that may vary across countries, and even within the same country. This article provides a conceptual framework and basis for such contextualized evaluations of the physical therapy workforce.


2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 1224-1230
Author(s):  
Susan M McGinty ◽  
Michael C Cicero ◽  
Jessica ME Cicero ◽  
Lori Schultz-Janney ◽  
Kari L Williams-Shipman

Background and Purpose. In 1997, only 22% of licensed physical therapists living in California were members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This 1998 study was designed to identify the reason(s) why most licensed physical therapists in California choose not to belong to their profession's national association and to examine the demographics of nonmembers. Subjects. The subjects were a random sample of 400 California licensed physical therapists who were not members of APTA. Methods. The survey instrument included a demographic questionnaire and statements for response using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Frequency distributions were calculated for responses and demographic data. Nonparametric analyses were used to determine statistical significance. Chi-square analysis was used to compare responses to statements by gender and by full-time versus part-time work status. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to determine any relationships between demographic data (eg, gender and work status). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine any differences in responses to specific representation questions by those respondents who worked in specific practice environments. All statistical tests were 2-tailed tests conducted at the P<.05 level, unless otherwise indicated. Means, standard deviations, and ranges were used where appropriate. Results. There was a 67% response rate. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents had been members of APTA. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents believed that APTA national dues were too high, and 90% thought California Chapter dues were too high. Discussion and Conclusion. Cost was the primary reason given for APTA nonmembership in California.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 7056-7063
Author(s):  
Vineel P ◽  
Gopala Krishna Alaparthi ◽  
Kalyana Chakravarthy Bairapareddy ◽  
Sampath Kumar Amaravadi

  Evidence-based Practice is defined as usage of current best evidence which is conscientious, explicit and judicious in deciding on the care of the individual. It is one of the vital decision-making processes in the medical profession. Though India is renowned as a center for medical education, there is scarcity regarding the literature on evidence-based practice. The survey aims to identify the prevalence of evidence-based practice among the physical therapists of Mangalore. The study protocol submitted to scientific research committee and Ethical institutional committee, K.M.C. Mangalore Manipal University. On approval, the questionnaire had been distributed among the physical therapists of Mangalore through mails and in the written form. The questionnaire consists of questions divided into eight sections: 1) consent form 2) current practice status; 3) demographic data; 4) behavior; 5) previous knowledge of E.B.P. resources; 6) skills and available resources; 7) Opinions regarding E.B.P.; 8)Perceived barriers regarding E.B.P. The emails were sent through Google forms to all the physical therapists, and hard copies were distributed among the selected physical therapists. The response rate for the emails was 13.1%. The response collected through hard copies was 178, whereas total hard copies distributed was 320, the participants rejected some due to lack of interest. In total, including emails and hard copy questionnaire 205 was the response rate in which all were practicing physical therapy as their primary profession. The findings of the study will pave the way to identify the status of evidence-based practice as well as help in designing promotional programmers for evidence-based practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1266.2-1266
Author(s):  
E. Vanautgaerden ◽  
M. Kaerts ◽  
W. Dankaerts ◽  
K. De Vlam ◽  
T. Swinnen

Background:Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) encounter limitations during daily activities and societal participation which seriously impart health-related quality of life. Optimal management of axSpA consists of combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities, including the encouragement of exercise and the consideration of physical therapy given the latter’s superior efficacy1. Few studies investigated the use of physical therapy and the alignment of treatment content with practice recommendations among patients with axSpA.Objectives:1) To estimate physical therapy use in patients with axSpA in a real life cohort; 2) to quantitatively and qualitatively describe the content of these physical therapy sessions; 3) explore possible determinants of physical therapy use and content.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 197 patients diagnosed with axSpA (Males/Females: 62.4/37.6%; mean±SD, age 42.6±12.0, BASDAI 3.7±2.1, BASFI 3.6±2.4, BASMI 3.1±1.8) and recruited during their routine consultation. The mixed-method approach included questionnaires (physical therapy use and content, medication, depression/anxiety (HADS), fear (TSK), physician global disease activity (PGDA)) and an in-depth qualitative interview (content of physical therapy). Interviews were analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven by two physical therapists. Spearman’s Rho correlations guided the exploration of determinants of physical therapy use and content.Results:Less than half (42.6%, n=84) of the axSpA of patients were in treatment with a physiotherapist. Most patients (40.0%) reported a physical therapy frequency of 1x/week. Session duration was typically 30 minutes (51.7% of the sample) and longer in fewer cases (30.0%). Exercise was in only 31.7% the cornerstone of their sessions. The majority of subjects (53.3%) were classified as receiving ‘passive therapy only’, with 10% of cases in the ‘exercise only’ and 36.7% in the ‘combination therapy’ groups. Interviews also revealed a lack of clear patient-centered treatment goals. We found moderate associations between physical therapy use/content parameters and medication, spinal mobility, fear, anxiety, depression, physician’s global disease activity versus (p<.05), but no relationship with patient-reported pain or disease activity.Conclusion:Despite the importance of exercise and the added value of physical therapy in axSpA, few patients engaged in physical therapy sessions that include exercise training of adequate dosage. Remarkably, physical therapy utilization seems to be predominantly guided by psychological factors. Professional education for physical therapists should therefore include skills training in the management of complex clinical presentations2. Last, future research should prepare the evidence-based implementation of state-of-the-art physical therapy guidelines in axSpA.References:[1]van der Heijde D, et al. 2016 update of the ASAS-EULAR management recommendations for axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Jun;76(6):978-991.[2]Swinnen TW, et al. Widespread pain in axial spondyloarthritis: clinical importance and gender differences. Arthritis Res Ther. 2018 Jul 27;20(1):156.Disclosure of Interests:Evelyne Vanautgaerden: None declared, Marlies Kaerts: None declared, Wim Dankaerts: None declared, Kurt de Vlam Grant/research support from: Celgene, Eli Lilly, Pfizer Inc, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Thijs Swinnen: None declared


Author(s):  
Allyn M Bove ◽  
Erin R Dong ◽  
Leslie R M Hausmann ◽  
Sara R Piva ◽  
Jennifer S Brach ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The purpose of this qualitative focus group study was to explore race differences in the rehabilitation experience and satisfaction with rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods We conducted a series of qualitative focus group discussions with groups of Non-Hispanic White and Non-Hispanic Black older adults who recently underwent TKA. We used grounded theory approach, which asks the researcher to develop theory from the data that are collected. Participants discussed barriers and facilitators to accessing rehabilitation after surgery, opinions regarding their physical therapists, the amount of post-operative physical therapy received, and overall satisfaction with the post-operative rehabilitation process. Results Thirty-six individuals participated in focus groups. Three major themes emerged: (1) Participants reported overall positive views of their post-TKA rehabilitation experience. They particularly enjoyed one-on-one care, the ability to participate in “prehabilitation”, and often mentioned specific interventions they felt were most helpful in their recovery. (2) Despite this, substantial barriers to accessing physical therapy exist. These include suboptimal pain management, copayments and other out-of-pocket costs, and transportation to visits. (3) There were minor differences in the rehabilitation experiences between Black and White participants. Black participants reported longer paths toward surgery and occasional difficulty interacting with rehabilitation providers. Conclusions Individuals undergoing TKA can largely expect positive rehabilitation experiences post-operatively. However, some barriers to post-operative physical therapy exist and may differ between Black and White patients. Physical therapists should increase their awareness of these barriers and work to minimize them whenever possible.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Haladay ◽  
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler ◽  
Aimee Klein ◽  
Rebecca Miro ◽  
Matthew Lazinski ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Patient engagement in decisions regarding their healthcare may lead to improved outcomes and improved adherence to treatment plans. While there are several options for involving patients in their healthcare, goal setting is a readily accessible method for physical therapists to increase the involvement of patients in healthcare decisions. Physical therapy goals are often provider-generated and based on subjective information or standardized fixed-item patient-reported outcome measures. However, these outcome measures may provide a limited scope of activity and participation limitations which may not capture the needs of individual patients. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a patient-centered approach to involving patients in setting meaningful goals. While GAS has been shown to be reliable, valid, and sensitive to change in various population, there is limited evidence in the United States about utilizing GAS in the physical therapist management of patients with low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this report is to describe the protocol for a study to a) develop an application of GAS procedures to be used by physical therapists treating patients with chronic LBP in the United States and b) to test the feasibility of applying GAS procedures in chronic LBP in an outpatient physical therapy setting. METHODS This study will use a mixed-methods design with two (2) phases (Phase 1: Qualitative, Phase 2: Quantitative). The qualitative phase of the study will employ focus groups of patients with chronic LBP to identify an inventory of goals that are important and measurable. This inventory will be used to develop a series of leading questions that will allow physical therapists to assist patients in establishing goals in the clinical setting. The quantitative phase of the study will pilot-test the inventory developed in the qualitative arm in patients with chronic LBP to determine feasibility, reliability, validity, and responsiveness. We will also compare how well GAS captures change over time as compared to traditional fixed-item patient-reported measures. RESULTS We anticipate that this study will demonstrate that GAS can be implemented successfully by outpatient physical therapists, and it will demonstrate clinically important changes that are important to patients with chronic LBP. CONCLUSIONS GAS represents an opportunity for patient-centered care in the physical therapy management of chronic LBP. While GAS is not new, it has never been studied in a real-world clinical setting for the physical therapy management of chronic LBP which have unique time and productivity constraints. For GAS to be successfully implemented in this environment, we must demonstrate that clinicians can be trained efficiently and reliably, that GAS can be implemented in the clinical setting in under 15 minutes, and that GAS is able to detect clinically meaningful change in patient outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL N/A


2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 544-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geertruida E Bekkering ◽  
Maurits W van Tulder ◽  
Erik JM Hendriks ◽  
Marc A Koopmanschap ◽  
Dirk L Knol ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Purpose. An active strategy was developed for the implementation of the clinical guidelines on physical therapy for patients with low back pain. The effect of this strategy on patients' physical functioning, coping strategy, and beliefs regarding their low back pain was studied. Subjects. One hundred thirteen primary care physical therapists treated a total of 500 patients. Methods. The physical therapists were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The control group received the guidelines by mail (standard passive method of dissemination). The intervention group, in contrast, received an additional active training strategy consisting of 2 sessions with education, group discussion, role playing, feedback, and reminders. Patients with low back pain, treated by the participating therapists, completed questionnaires on physical functioning, pain, sick leave, coping, and beliefs. Results. Physical functioning and pain in the 2 groups improved substantially in the first 12 weeks. Multilevel longitudinal analysis showed no differences between the 2 groups on any outcome measure during follow-up. Discussion and Conclusion. The authors found no additional benefit to applying an active strategy to implement the physical therapy guidelines for patients with low back pain. Active implementation strategies are not recommended if patient outcomes are to be improved.


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