scholarly journals Management of Sternal Precautions Following Median Sternotomy by Physical Therapists in Australia: A Web-Based Survey

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara J. Tuyl ◽  
Jennifer H. Mackney ◽  
Catherine L. Johnston

Background Sternal precautions are utilized within many hospitals with the aim of preventing the occurrence of sternal complications (eg, infection, wound breakdown) following midline sternotomy. The evidence base for sternal precaution protocols, however, has been questioned due to a paucity of research, unknown effect on patient outcomes, and possible discrepancies in pattern of use among institutions. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate and document the use of sternal precautions by physical therapists in the treatment of patients following median sternotomy in hospitals throughout Australia, from immediately postsurgery to discharge from the hospital. Design A cross-sectional, observational design was used. An anonymous, Web-based survey was custom designed for use in the study. Methods The questionnaire was content validated, and the online functionality was assessed. The senior cardiothoracic physical therapist from each hospital identified as currently performing cardiothoracic surgery (N=51) was invited to participate. Results The response rate was 58.8% (n=30). Both public (n=18) and private (n=12) hospitals in all states of Australia were represented. Management protocols reported by participants included wound support (n=22), restrictions on lifting and transfers (n=23), and restrictions on mobility aid use (n=15). Factors influencing clinical practice most commonly included “workplace practices/protocols” (n=27) and “clinical experience” (n=22). Limitations The study may be limited by response bias. Conclusions Significant variation exists in the sternal precautions and protocols used in the treatment of patients following median sternotomy in Australian hospitals. Further research is needed to investigate whether the restrictions and precautions used are necessary and whether protocols have an impact on patient outcomes, including rates of recovery and length of stay.

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley K. Holdsworth ◽  
Valerie S. Webster ◽  
Daniel Rafferty

Background To date, there has been no attempt to describe or compare physical therapy as practiced globally, nor any evidence that an international data set exists to support this effort. It is known that research evidence can be used in strategic and tactical ways, especially within the highly politicized context of the policy arena. The International Private Practitioners Association recognized the potential value a global evidence base could have in influencing policy and supporting professional development in a number of countries, yet it lacked a mechanism to achieve these aims. Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify and test an international data set, definitions, and means of data collection and (2) to establish views in relation to the value of international collaborations. Design A mixed, prospective design was used in the study. Method Phase 1 (2006–2007) involved the development of a data set, definitions, and Web-based and paper-based data collection options involving 98 physical therapists from 68 physical therapy practices in 7 countries. Phase 2 (2008–2009) involved testing of the data set in 34 practices involving 3,195 patient episodes and included physical therapist feedback of experience, local relevance of the data set, and value of international collaborations. Results Testing confirmed the relevance and reliability of the data set and definitions and a preference for Web-based data collection (74.0%). Physical therapist feedback supported these findings. Most respondents (60.0%–100.0%) reported the value of further international collaborations for their profession nationally or internationally. Limitations Although a true international collaboration, the limited sample size should be recognized. Conclusions It is possible to develop an agreed-upon international data set and means of data collection. Testing appears to support its acceptability and relevance for use in practice. Participants highly valued the opportunity to undertake international collaborations that may benefit their profession nationally and internationally. Further testing and use of the data set are advocated before final validation is sought.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leta Melaku

BACKGROUND Physical activity is a first-line therapy and secures against persistent illnesses. Essential medical care professionals are obviously situated to advance actual action. Active recuperation mediations focused on advancement and upkeep of wellbeing, personal satisfaction, and wellness. There is, notwithstanding, a deficiency of such examination proof in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE We planned to assess the degree of KAP of nonprofessional local physical therapists' towards wellbeing advancement in Arsi zone of Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS Community based cross sectional study was conducted in April 2018 among 45 physical therapists. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured and self-administrative questionnaires. Participants were selected by quota sampling technique. The questionnaire was drafted specifically to test the KAP. Data were double entered and analyzed by SPSS Version 20.0 program. Descriptive statistics were used. The KAP were estimated using proportion. RESULTS In present response rate is 90.0%. Ages of respondents ranged between 24 – 87 years. 57.8% of participants got initial physical therapy knowledge from either of their parents. 53.3% of the respondents hear about health promotion from families and friends. 57.8% of them provided health promotion at their workplace. The overall percentage of all the respondents’ KAP in health promotion was 60.1%. CONCLUSIONS The respondents’ have good KAP towards health promotion. However there is still room for improvement. Also there is a lack of proper guide lines in determining the impact physical therapy.


Author(s):  
Debra Bierwas ◽  
Joan Leafman ◽  
Donald Shaw

Introduction: For evidence-based practice to occur in patient management or clinical instruction, a knowledge of evidence-based practice principles is needed, including how to retrieve, appraise, and apply evidence. Attitudes and beliefs are also important, since for effective change in practice to occur it must be consistent with beliefs and needs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge of physical therapist clinical instructors and to determine whether differences in self-reported beliefs or knowledge existed based upon respondent characteristics of highest degree, age, association membership, and certification. Methods: For this cross-sectional descriptive study an electronic survey was used to collect data on respondent characteristics and evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge. Results: Respondents were 376 physical therapists who were clinical instructors. A majority of respondents reported positive beliefs about evidence-based practice: welcome questions on practice (88.5 %, n = 333); fundamental to practice (89.7%, n = 337); practice changed because of evidence (81.1%, n = 305). From rating options of poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent, respondents most often selected good to describe knowledge level: formulate question 39.6% (n = 149); retrieve evidence 39.4% (n = 148); appraise evidence 44.1% (n = 166); and apply evidence 40.4% (n = 152). Nearly half of the respondents reported as either very good or excellent the ability to apply evidence (49.4%, n = 186). There were differences in evidence-based practice beliefs (degree H = 10.152, p = .038; membership z = 4.721, p = H = 27.712, p = z = 2.188, p = .03; certification z = 4.194, p = Conclusion: Respondents frequently reported positive beliefs about evidence-based practice and the possession of evidence-based practice knowledge. However, there were respondents who reported negative beliefs such as disagreeing that new evidence is important. There were wide variations in reported evidence-based practice knowledge. The largest percentage of respondents rated knowledge as good, the middle or ‘average’ rating on the five-point scale. There were differences in evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge between groups for highest degree, association membership, and specialty certification.


2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie Lau ◽  
Danielle Chitussi ◽  
Sarah Elliot ◽  
Jennifer Giannone ◽  
Mary-Katherine McMahon ◽  
...  

Background Educating people with stroke about community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) is a recommended practice that physical therapists are well positioned to implement. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the provision of education about CBEPs to people with stroke, barriers to providing education, and preferences for resources to facilitate education among physical therapists in neurological practice. Design A cross-sectional e-survey of physical therapists treating adults with stroke in Ontario, Canada, was conducted. Methods A link to the questionnaire was emailed to physical therapists in a provincial stroke network, a provincial physical therapy association, and on hospital and previous research lists. Results Responses from 186 physical therapists were analyzed. The percentage of respondents who reported providing CBEP education was 84.4%. Only 36.6% reported typically providing education to ≥7 out of 10 patients with stroke. Physical (90.5%) and preventative (84.6%) health benefits of exercise were most frequently discussed. Therapists reported most commonly delivering education at discharge (73.7%). Most frequently cited barriers to educating patients were a perceived lack of suitable programs (53.2%) and a lack of awareness of local CBEPs (23.8%). Lists of CBEPs (94.1%) or brochures (94.1%) were considered to be facilitators. The percentage of physical therapists providing CBEP education varied across acute, rehabilitation, and public outpatient settings. Limitations The percentage of physical therapists providing education may have been overestimated if respondents who deliver CBEP education were more likely to participate and if participants answered in a socially desirable way. Conclusions Even though a high proportion of physical therapists provide CBEP education, education is not consistently delivered to the majority of patients poststroke. Although a CBEP list or brochure would facilitate education regarding existing CBEPs, efforts to implement CBEPs are needed to help overcome the lack of suitable programs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 1724-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solveig A. Arnadottir ◽  
Bjorg Gudjonsdottir

Abstract Background A positive attitude toward evidence-based practice (EBP) has been identified as an important factor in the effectiveness of the dissemination and implementation of EBP in real-world settings. Objective The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe dimensions of Icelandic physical therapists' attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP and (2) to explore the association between attitudes and selected personal and environmental factors. Design This study was a cross-sectional, Web-based survey of the total population of full members of the Icelandic Physiotherapy Association. Methods The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) was used to survey attitudes toward EBP; the total EBPAS and its 4 subscales (requirements, appeal, openness, and divergence) were included. Linear regression was used to explore the association between the EBPAS and selected background variables. Results The response rate was 39.5% (N=211). The total EBPAS and all of its subscales reflected physical therapists' positive attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP. Multivariable analysis revealed that being a woman was associated with more positive attitudes, as measured by the total EBPAS and the requirements, openness, and divergence subscales. Physical therapists with postprofessional education were more positive, as measured by the EBPAS openness subscale, and those working with at least 10 other physical therapists demonstrated more positive attitudes on the total EBPAS and the openness subscale. Limitations Because this was a cross-sectional survey, no causal inferences can be made, and there may have been unmeasured confounding factors. Potential nonresponse bias limits generalizability. Conclusions The results expand understanding of the phenomenon of attitudes toward EBP. They reveal potentially modifiable dimensions of attitudes and the associated characteristics of physical therapists and their work environments. The findings encourage investigation of the effectiveness of strategies aimed at influencing various dimensions of attitudes toward EBP.


2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1311-1322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Shirley ◽  
Hidde P. van der Ploeg ◽  
Adrian E. Bauman

Background Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease. Primary health care practitioners are well placed to promote a physically active lifestyle. The perceptions and practice of physical therapists on their role in physical activity promotion are not well known. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice of physical therapists and physical therapist students regarding the promotion of nontreatment physical activity for better health. Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Methods In 2008, 321 (54%) of a random sample of all physical therapists registered in New South Wales, Australia, responded to a survey on their knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice with regard to promoting a physically active lifestyles to their patients. Physical therapist students (n=279) completed the same survey but without the questions on barriers and counseling practice. Results Physical therapists and physical therapist students consider that it is part of their role to give their patients nontreatment physical activity advice. Overall, they reported having adequate knowledge and skills to undertake this role. Incorporating advice into normal consultations is deemed the most feasible form of lifestyle physical activity promotion in physical therapist practice. Limitations The cross-sectional nature of this study makes it difficult to determine cause and effect relationships. Some selection bias may have occurred, as the physical therapists who completed the questionnaires may have been those most interested in physical activity promotion. Conclusions Physical therapist practice appears to be an excellent avenue for promoting a physically active lifestyle and could potentially play an important public health role.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Naveed Qamar

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Globally physical inactivity is recognized as a primary concern and one of the major risk factor associated with long term disability. Health professionals are expected to promote active lifestyle but are neglecting it. Therefore it is essential to explore the knowledge of physical therapist regarding activity and promotion. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 153 physical therapist at different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi where dominant group was females (n=102). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through convenience sampling after obtaining consent to evaluate their knowledge regarding physical activity recommendation by American College of Sports Medicine and there awareness among their patients. RESULTS Only 8.5% of physiotherapists correctly answered all three questions regarding Physical activity; guidelines. Promoting physical activity through their practice, only 54% of PT initiate conversation, 28% formally assess their patients, while brief intervention was given by only 31%. CONCLUSION It was concluded that knowledge regarding PA was compromised; with a lack of awareness about recommended guidelines for physical activity was also found.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (06) ◽  
pp. 948-950
Author(s):  
MARIA KHALID ◽  
ARSHAD NAWAZ MALIK ◽  
ASGHAR KHAN

The purpose of study: Physical therapy is a renowned developing profession and improves not only the functional statusbut also enhance the quality of life in movement disorder population. The main purpose of this study was to find out the level of awarenessabout physical therapy in medical professionals. Methodology: A descriptive Cross sectional Survey was done with a sample of 100. Astructured questionnaire was developed for data collection from hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The data was collected from July2010 to December 2010. The response was analyzed through SPSS-17. Results: The results show that 90% of medical communityknows about physical therapy as a specialty in medical sciences, refer their patients to the physical therapist, physical therapy isbeneficial for their patients, and physical therapy has an essential role in health care system. The medical community refers their patientsto the physical therapy for the management of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary conditions more commonly.Conclusions: Physical therapy is an emerging specialty of medical sciences in Pakistan. Physical Therapists are not


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene Chiong Maya ◽  
Therese Daniela Manaloto ◽  
Christian Rimando ◽  
Maria Eliza Dela Cruz ◽  
Daniel Stephen Banting ◽  
...  

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of telerehabilitation has rapidly increased to improve access and minimize cross-infection risk to patients. Nevertheless, Filipino pediatric physical therapists (PTs) must ensure that they conduct evidence-based procedures for specific tests and measures to determine patient outcomes. This investigation reported the most common pediatric outcome measurement tools (OMTs) used in telerehabilitation by Filipino pediatric PTs treating 0 to 21-year-olds in the Philippines. Validation and pilot testing of an adapted questionnaire on OMT usage was undertaken before dissemination via email and social media. Pediatric PTs reported that the commonly used OMTs in telerehabilitation are Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) (100%)—including both versions of GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 followed by Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) (30%). These findings support the use of feasible OMTs in pediatric telerehabilitation due to their applicability in the online setting.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (9) ◽  
pp. 1224-1230
Author(s):  
Márcia C Pires Nogueira ◽  
Simone N S Ribeiro ◽  
Élida P Silva ◽  
Carolina Lopes Guimarães ◽  
Gustavo F Wandalsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prolonged slow expiration (PSE) is a manual chest physical therapy technique routinely performed in clinical practice. However, the reliability and agreement of the technique have not been tested. Objective The objective of this study was to assess reliability and agreement between physical therapists during the application of PSE in infants with wheezing. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Infants with a mean age of 59 weeks (SD = 26 weeks) were included in this study. Two physical therapists (physical therapist 1 and physical therapist 2) randomly performed 3 PSE sequences (A, B, and C). The expiratory reserve volume (ERV) was measured with a pneumotachograph connected to a face mask. ERV was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the technique between sequences and between physical therapist 1 and physical therapist 2. Results The mean ERV of the infants was 63 mL (SD = 21 mL). There was no statistically significant difference between the ERV values in the 3 sequences for physical therapist 1 (A: mean = 46.6 mL [SD = 17.8 mL]; B: mean = 45.7 mL [SD = 19.9 mL]; C: mean = 53.3 mL [SD = 26.3 mL]) and physical therapist 2 (A: mean = 43.5 mL [SD = 15.4 mL]; B: mean = 43.2 mL [SD = 18.3 mL]; C: mean = 44.8 mL [SD = 25.0 mL]). There was excellent reliability between the sequences for physical therapist 1 (ICC = 0.88 [95% CI = 0.63–0.95]) and physical therapist 2 (ICC = 0.82 [95% CI = 0.48–0.93]). Moderate agreement was observed between physical therapist 1 and physical therapist 2 (ICC = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.01–0.88]). According to Bland-Altman analysis, the mean difference between physical therapist 1 and physical therapist 2 was 4.1 mL (95% CI = −38.5 to 46.5 mL). Limitations The data were collected in infants with wheezing who were not in crisis. This decreased lung mucus; however, it also reduced evaluation risks. Conclusions PSE was a reproducible chest physical therapy technique between physical therapists.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document