RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Exploring the use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists: An international survey
A1 Fernández Carnero, Samuel
A1 Ellis, Richard
A1 Helsby, Jake
A1 Naus, Jade
A1 Bassett, Sandra
A1 Fernández de Las Peñas, César
A1 Hides, Julie
A1 O'Sullivan, Cliona
A1 Teyhen, Deydre
A1 Stokes, Maria
A1 Whittaker, Jackie L
K1 Physical therapy
K1 Physiotherapy
K1 Ultrasound imaging
K1 Survey
K1 Musculoskeletal imaging
K1 Fisioterapia
K1 Physical therapy
AB Background: National surveys in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom suggest ultrasound imaging (USI) use by physiotherapists is increasing. However, concerns exist regarding clarity for scopes of practice, and availability and standardisation of training. Objectives: To investigate physiotherapists' understanding of scopes of practice for the use of USI; clarify the professional contexts, clinical uses and levels of training; and identify barriers preventing physiotherapists' USI use. Design: A cross-sectional, observational survey. Methods: An Internet-based survey, offered in 20 different languages, was used including items covering five domains: (1) demographic and professional characteristics; (2) knowledge of scope of practice; (3) USI use; (4) USI training content and duration; and (5) perceived barriers to physiotherapists' use of USI. Results: 1307 registered physiotherapists from 49 countries responded; 30% were unsure of the scope of practice for physiotherapists' USI use. 38% of participants were users of USI, reporting varied contexts and clinical uses, reflected in the broader categories of: (i) biofeedback; (ii) diagnosis; (iii) assessment; (iv) injection guidance; (v) research; (vi) and teaching. The training users received varied, with formal training more comprehensive. 62% were non-users, the most common barrier was lack of training (76%). Conclusion: These findings suggest physiotherapists' USI use is increasing in various contexts; however, there is uncertainty regarding scopes of practice. There are discrepancies in training offered, with a lack of training the most common barrier to physiotherapists' use of USI. International guidelines, including a USI training framework, are needed to support the consistent and sustainable use of USI in physiotherapy.
SN 2468-7812
YR 2020
FD 2020
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10017/47249
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10017/47249
LA eng
DS MINDS@UW
RD 18-abr-2024