Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Comparative Effectiveness Of Jade Stone Mobilisation, Non-Abrasive Cupping, And Manual Drainage Technique In Subjects With Chronic Sinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Monali Gandhi, Peeyoosha Gurudut Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Sinusitis in recent times has been known as one of the major causes for reduced quality of life and work absenteeism. Chronic sinusitis being one of the health hazards affecting QOL of subjects of any age and gender requires a specific therapeutic intervention. Clinical trials that can demonstrate the effectiveness of manual therapy intervention in sinusitis cases are lacking. Hence, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three manual therapy techniques in subjects with chronic sinusitis. Method: The current study is a prospective, parallel arm, randomised clinical trial performed at physiotherapy OPD, tertiary health …

Extended Scope Physiotherapists Are Effective And Safe In The Emergency Department: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Brittany Souter, Anne Jones, Lorraine Sheppard, Michael Crowe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) are an innovative approach to service delivery that have emerged in response to increasing pressures on emergency departments (EDs). While previous systematic reviews have suggested that ESPs have a positive impact on ED outcomes, clinical practice recommendations based on limited evidence highlight a pressing need for evaluation studies to truly determine their effectiveness and safety in this setting. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ESPs when delivering services in EDs. Method: Systematic literature searches were conducted using the online databases: Medline (Ovid), CINAHL …

Attitude And Barriers To Participation In Research Among Physiotherapy Interns In Nigeria, Daha G. Muhammad, Yusuff Tunde Gbonjubola, Ibrahim Ahmad Abubakar, Adekolurejo Tobi Elisha, Hassan Yusif Ahmad

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study is meant to assess the attitude and barrier towards research in physiotherapy interns of Nigeria. Method: A WhatsApp-based cross sectional online survey was conducted using an e-questionnaire (Google form). The link was sent to corresponding intern from each training institution in Nigeria. Frequency, percentages, means, standard deviation and ANOVA or t test were used to analyse the data in SPSS version 20 at alpha level 0.05. Result: The majority of the participants were male (73.2%) within the age range of 26-30 years (53.6%) and undergoing the training in northwestern part of the country (48.2%). Though the majority …

Physiotherapists’ Perspectives On The Use Of Telehealth For Service Delivery To Children With Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Focus Group Study, Claire M. Grant, Anne Jones, Helen Land

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to (1) determine what barriers and facilitators physiotherapists perceive to using telehealth, (2) to determine willingness to use and (3) to determine perspectives on training in the use of telehealth. Method: This is a qualitative semi structured interview and focus group design. Participants were recruited from the first stage of the larger research process using purposive sampling. A semi structured guide was used to facilitate discussion of shared experiences and to allow themes to emerge from the discussion. Results: Thematic analysis was used to synthesise frequent and important themes. Ten participants took part …

An Audit Of The Use Of Simulation In Australian And New Zealand Physiotherapy Curricula, Tayne Ryall, Elisabeth Preston, Niruthikha Mahendran, Bernie Bissett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this exploratory research was to investigate the use of simulation in physiotherapy curricula across Australia and New Zealand. The key areas of focus were whether simulation was being used, the forms of simulation used for training and assessment, evidence for educational simulation practices, and the enablers and barriers to implementing simulation into the curricula. Method: All Australian and New Zealand Universities offering a physiotherapy degree were invited to participate in an electronic survey. As no pre-existing tool was available to answer the aims of the study, a custom designed survey was developed. The survey was pilot …

Group Physiotherapy For Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Consumer’S Perspective, Rose C. Green

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Level 1 grade A evidence exists to support physiotherapy as a first line treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A novel way to provide care for women with pelvic floor dysfunction in a tertiary hospital setting is to mandate attendance at an introductory group education session prior to offering an individual physiotherapy consultation. There is minimal research to date examining the consumer perspective of group physiotherapy for treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the consumer experience with a view to determining if this model of care meets the needs …

Inside Outsourcing: Experiences Of Outsourced Physical Therapy Services In Dutch Hospitals, Rudi A. Steenbruggen Pt, Mba, Hannah Boven Msc

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Over the past years, it has become more common in Dutch hospitals to outsource allied healthcare services to the private sector. This development has affected hospital-based physical therapy significantly. And as a result, there is an increasing need for guidance in this new situation. In response to this, the Dutch Association of Physical Therapy in Hospitals (NVZF) conducted a comprehensive study into the process of outsourcing with the objective to inform and advise physical therapy services in hospitals about outsourcing developments. Eight Dutch hospitals where physical therapy services had been outsourced or where this option was explored, were interviewed. The …

Students' Perception Of The Educational Environment In An Indian Physiotherapy College, Prachita Walankar, Vrushali Panhale, Sayli Situt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Educational environment has a significant impact on students' behavior, academic progress and quality of learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the students’ perception of their learning environment in an Indian physiotherapy college and compare their perceptions in terms of demographic attributes and academic level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 undergraduate physiotherapy students. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), a 50-item, self-administered inventory was employed to assess the student’s perception of learning environment. It comprises of five domains: students’ perceptions of learning; students’ perceptions of teachers; students’ academic self-perceptions; students’ perceptions of atmosphere …

Feasibility Of Conducting Research In A Student Physiotherapy Clinic In Australia: A Pilot Study, Scott Buckerfield, Felicity Braithwaite, Julie Walters, Maureen P. Mcevoy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health student clinics are growing in number and scope, providing a potential untapped avenue for clinical research. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal research study over four sessions in a student physiotherapy clinic under the supervision of registered physiotherapists as clinical educators.

Method: This feasibility study gathered data on recruitment in a designated time period, attendance rates and adherence of participants to the treatment, with evaluation also of the acceptability of the entire protocol to participants (patients, students, clinical educators) and to the research team.

Results: Data were collected …

Developing Student Skills To Actively Engage In Feedback Conversations: A Pilot Study, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students often have passive or counterproductive responses to feedback. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a feedback training module containing online learning and live simulation. It was hypothesized that 1) student confidence in feedback skills would increase following the module, and 2) compared with a control group who undertook the module after their clinical placement, the feedback group who undertook the module before their placement would perform better on clinical placement on the sections of the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice related to communication, but those related to clinical skills would not be affected. Methods: …

Enhancing Entry-Level Physiotherapy Student Learning In Interpreting Radiology – An Action Research Project, Courtney R. Clark, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In Australia, the ability to interpret orthopaedic x-rays is an entry-level skill for physiotherapists. Yet there is a paucity of evidence in the literature which details effective learning and teaching methods to optimise confidence and competence in x-ray interpretation. The aims of this study were to describe the content contained in an orthopaedic radiology module within an Australian 2-year graduate entry Master of Physiotherapy degree; approaches to learning and teaching used in this module; student satisfaction associated with this module over a 2-year period. Method: The University’s framework for quality assurance, which is based on the Plan-Implement-Review-Improve underpinned this …

Factors Influencing The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Physiotherapists And Occupational Therapists In Their Clinical Work, Sofi Fristedt, Kristina Areskoug Josefsson, Ann-Sofi Kammerlind

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process through which research is applied in daily clinical practice. Occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) are expected to work in line with EBP in order to optimise health care resources. This expectation is too seldom fulfilled. Consequently, research findings may not be implemented in clinical practice in a timely manner, or at all. To remedy this situation, additional knowledge is needed regarding what factors influence the process of EBP among practitioners. The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that influence the use of EBP and the experienced effects of the …

Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Self-Reported Evidence-Based Practice Use, Debra Bierwas, Joan Leafman, Lisa Wallace, Donald Shaw, Steven Fehrer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Evidence-based practice is a required component of student physical therapist education. Practice applying the five steps of evidence-based practice to patient care (formulate question, retrieve evidence, appraise evidence, integrate evidence, evaluate outcomes), most effectively performed during clinical education, must occur for students to become proficient. Clinical instructor use of evidence-based practice is essential to assure that student physical therapist practice occurs during clinical education. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess self-reported evidence-based practice use by physical therapy clinical instructors and examine whether an association exists between professional characteristics and evidence-based practice use. Methods: This study …

Factors Identified By Physiotherapists That Influence The Retention Of Regional Clinicians: A Qualitative Investigation, Elli Miles, Robyn Adams, Sophie Anaf, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To identify factors influencing the retention of physiotherapists in one regional setting. Design: A qualitative framework using semi-structured interviews was used to collect data. Data were evaluated using thematic analysis. Setting: A regional city located on the coastline of Queensland, Australia, more than six hours drive from the capital city, Brisbane. Participants: Practicing physiotherapists employed by Queensland Health, the main public health employer. Main Outcome Measures: Retention themes identified from the interview transcripts. Results: The advantages of remaining employed in the regional city were centred on personal issues. Forty-four responses described personal advantages while 33 described professional advantages. The …

International Students’ Perspectives Of An Introductory Course As Preparation For Entry Into A Postgraduate Physiotherapy Program, Jennifer Roberts, Rebekah Das, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Introductory or preparatory courses are often provided to international students in Australia as means to help them adjust to a new cultural and communication environment and a foreign educational setting. However, there is very little evaluation research on these introductory courses, especially from students’ perspectives, on their merits and demerits. Methods: This research utilised primary and secondary research methods. Firstly, a systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify international students’ perspectives of education in Australia. Secondly, using qualitative and quantitative research methods, international postgraduate physiotherapy students’ perspectives of an introductory course at an Australian educational institution was …

Provision Of Health Promotion Information By Physiotherapists To In-Patients In A Tertiary Hospital: A Pilot Study, Chris J. Macfarlane, Kathy Stiller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The provision of health promotion information is an important part of the management of hospitalised patients. Allied health practitioners are often involved in the provision of this information. No studies appear to have documented the rate of provision of health promotion material by physiotherapists to hospitalised patients. The aim of this pilot study was to measure the frequency with which health promotion information was provided to in-patients by physiotherapists and to evaluate patients’ perception of the effectiveness of this information. Method: Retrospective medical record audits and follow-up telephone interviews were undertaken over an 18 month period for patients who …

Which Assessments And Interventions Do Physiotherapists Value In The Management Of Adults With Cystic Fibrosis In Australia?, Kathy Stiller, Dianne White, Marie Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Evidence based practice involves the integration of three main components: best available research evidence, practitioner’s clinical expertise, and patient’s preferences. While the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been extensively studied, no studies have explored physiotherapists’ perceptions and values concerning their management of patients with CF. The aim of this study was to document the opinions and values that CF physiotherapists in Australia have regarding their management of patients with CF. Method: A purpose-designed questionnaire addressing these issues was mailed to all 38 physiotherapists working with adults with CF on a regular/frequent basis in …

Learning Style Preferences Of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy And Speech Pathology Students: A Comparative Study, Ted Brown, Tessa Cosgriff, Glenys French

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Educating future health care practitioners is an important role of universities. Optimal learning environments consider how students learn and utilise various teaching methods to tailor curriculum delivery to match specified student learning preferences. Method: This paper presents a comparative study examining the learning style preferences of first-year undergraduate occupational therapy (n = 116), physiotherapy (n = 60) and speech pathology students (n = 42) at one Australian university. Each student group completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) and the VARK Questionnaire during the first semester of year one of their courses. Results: Minimal significant differences were identified between …

What Is The Effectiveness Of A Biopsychosocial Approach To Individual Physiotherapy Care For Chronic Low Back Pain?, Susan I. George

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a biopsychosocial approach to management for chronic low back pain when applied by individual physiotherapists. Eight primary databases and three secondary databases were searched electronically. A manual reference search was also performed. To be eligible, trials had to provide treatment according to biopsychosocial principles in primary care or comparable settings. This approach is a holistic intervention that addresses social, psychological, and biological aspects of chronic pain. Included trials defined chronic low back pain as of greater than eight weeks duration. Primary outcome measures were reductions in …

Challenges Facing Physiotherapy Education In Africa, Jose Frantz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Health care is changing and the demands put on health professionals are increasing. Physiotherapy education should reflect the health and social priorities of the nation. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) is committed to assisting physiotherapy associations in developing educational standards. Physiotherapy education in Africa however, seems to have a real need for assistance from the WCPT. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain information from key informants involved in the area of physiotherapy education from a variety of African countries. The majority of …

Assessing Clinical Placements In A B.Sc. Physiotherapy Program, Jose M. Framtz, Anthea J. Rhoda

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The clinical setting is one of the most valuable educational resources available to institutions training physiotherapy students. The experiences gained at the clinical settings assist graduates to grasp what the discipline of physiotherapy is all about. Objective: To evaluate existing clinical venues providing placement for physiotherapy students at the University of the Western Cape. Methodology: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to gather data. A validated questionnaire was used to gather the quantitative information. The questionnaire consisted of a seventeen-item instrument using a Likert scale which ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Five open ended questions were …

Can Human Patient Simulators Be Used In Physiotherapy Education?, Annette Jones, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the evidence for the use of human patient simulators in physiotherapy education. Method: A review of the physiotherapy literature was undertaken. Due to the lack of studies found the search was expanded to include health professional education. Exclusion criteria were then applied to the identified literature and critical appraisal undertaken. Results: Due to the differences in methodology employed in the studies identified a meta-analysis could not be performed. The studies identified repeat practice and the ability to control the learning environment as positive aspects for learning using human patient simulators. In …

Effectiveness Of Eccentric Exercises In The Management Of Chronic Achilles Tendinosis, Carla Van Usen, Barbara Pumberger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Chronic Achilles tendinosis is commonly seen in clinical practice however the causes are largely unknown. In the last ten years good results have been reported with a range of approaches, one of which is eccentric training. Objective: This study reports on a systematic review of the literature to determine the effectiveness of eccentric training compared with other types of interventions for chronic Achilles tendinosis. Method: A systematic review of the published research literature was conducted to examine the quantity, nature, quality and significance of literature relevant to the effectiveness of eccentric training for chronic Achilles tendinosis. Subject inclusion criteria were …

Electronic Clinical Records For Physiotherapists, Christine Barry, Mark Jones, Karen Grimmer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study compared traditional (paper-based) and electronic (computerized) clinical physiotherapy records. The content of the records and the software’s user acceptability were considered. Methods: A neuro-musculoskeletal patient scenario involving two encounters (initial and follow-up) was scripted and role-played to each of three experienced physiotherapists (A, B and C). Participants assessed the patient and made traditional clinical records. After basic training in an electronic record system, they repeated the assessments and made electronic records via a laptop computer. Three experienced physiotherapists (A, D and E) each used their usual method to write a clinical report and an electronic record …

Learning Approaches, Learning Difficulties And Academic Performance Of Undergraduate Students Of Physiotherapy, Shreemathi S. Mayya, A. Krishna Rao, Ramnaryana K.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

A locally developed ‘Approaches to Learning Inventory (ALI)’ was administered to explore the learning difficulties and learning approaches of undergraduate students of Bachelor of Physiotherapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal. University examination marks of these students were also collected. Learning approach and learning difficulties were summarized by computing mean, standard deviation and percentage of students experiencing some of the academic and non-academic problems. Spearman’s correlation was computed between standardized scores of examination marks, learning approach and learning difficulty scale scores. Academic performance has shown significant negative correlation with surface approach and various problems of learners like fear of failure …