A survey of diagnostic ultrasound within the physiotherapy profession for the design of future training tools

Influencing Physical Therapist's Self-efficacy for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Through Blended Learning: A Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

With the growing interest for physical therapists to incorporate musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound comes a need to understand how to organize training to promote the transfer of training to clinical practice. A common training strategy blends asynchronous learning through online modules and virtual simulations with synchronous practice on live simulated participants. However, few physical therapists who attend MSK ultrasound continuing education courses integrate ultrasound into clinical practice. Self-efficacy is a significant predictor of training transfer effectiveness. This study describes to what degree and how a blended learning strategy influenced participants' self-efficacy for MSK ultrasound and transfer of training to clinical practice.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-one outpatient physical therapists with no previous MSK ultrasound training.

METHODS

Twenty-one participants assessed their self-efficacy using a 26-item self-efficacy questionnaire at 3 intervals: before asynchronous, before synchronous training, and before returning to clinical practice. Participants were interviewed within 1 week of training using a semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA. Thematic analysis was used to examine participants' experiences, and "following the thread" was used to integrate findings.

RESULTS

Self-efficacy questionnaire mean scores increased significantly across the 3- time points ( F [2, 40] = 172.7, P < .001, η 2 = 0.896). Thematic analysis indicated that asynchronous activities scaffolded participants' knowledge, enhanced their self-efficacy, and prepared them for synchronous learning; however, it did not replicate the challenges of MSK ultrasound. Synchronous activities further improved self-efficacy and helped participants better calibrate their self-judgments of their abilities and readiness to integrate MSK ultrasound training into clinical practice. Despite individual-level improvements in self-efficacy, interviewees recognized their limitations and a need for longitudinal training in a clinical environment.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A blended learning approach positively affects participants' self-efficacy for MSK ultrasound; however, future training designs should provide learners with additional support during the transition phase.

Scoping Review of Curricula and Pedagogical Approaches for Physiotherapist Performed Point of Care Ultrasonography

Purpose

This study collates and maps physiotherapy pre- and post-licensure curricula and pedagogical approaches for point of care ultrasonography (POCUS).

Method

We used a standardized scoping review methodology and reporting framework. A total of 18,217 titles and abstracts, and 1,372 full text citations were screened, with 209 studies classified as physiotherapist performed POCUS.

Results

Of the 209 studies, 15 evaluated pre- and post-licensure curricula and pedagogical approaches. Seventy-two to 98% of pre-licensure programs reported including theoretical knowledge of POCUS and 44-45% reported practical teaching or competency assessment. In post-licensure studies of POCUS, 0-61% of physiotherapists reported training for POCUS. All studies of post-licensure pedagogical approaches included an assessment of theoretical knowledge of POCUS, but only one study included a practical assessment of competency. There was considerable variability in POCUS methods and duration of pedagogical approaches. Except for one study, all pedagogical approaches reported improvement in theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

Progress in physiotherapy-specific, standardized, competency-based curricula and pedagogical approaches in POCUS has been limited, with minimal research available, and considerable variability both pre- and post-licensure. These findings could be used to advocate for the inclusion of POCUS in pre- and post-licensure physiotherapy curriculum, and suggest a need for clear guidelines from regulatory colleges and licensing bodies, and a common terminology for physiotherapist performed POCUS. Future directions for research include a systematic review of the psychometric properties of physiotherapist performed POCUS within and across anatomical areas, an assessment of value of different forms of training, and an evaluation of the impact of physiotherapist performed POCUS on patient outcomes.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Educational Development in Australasia: A Scoping Review

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) technology is evolving rapidly and is being adopted by many health professionals in their clinical practice. Ultrasound is a complex skill requiring dedicated training. Appropriate integration of ultrasound education into medical, surgical, nursing and allied health professions is a current challenge worldwide. There are patient safety implications for use of ultrasound without adequate training and frameworks. The purpose of the review was to overview the status of PoCUS education in Australasia; investigate what is being taught and learned about ultrasound across the health professions; and identify potential gaps. The review was limited to postgraduate and qualified health professionals with established or emerging clinical use for PoCUS. A scoping review methodology was used to include literature in peer-reviewed articles, policies, guidelines, position statements, curricula and online material relating to ultrasound education. One hundred thirty-six documents were included. The literature revealed heterogeneity in ultrasound teaching and learning across the health professions. Several health professions lacked any defined scopes of practice, policies or curricula. Significant investment in resourcing ultrasound education is required to address the current needs in Australia and New Zealand.

The Role of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging Technique in the Lumbopelvic Region as a Diagnosis and Treatment Tool in Physiotherapy: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) technique seems to be a valid and reliable tool for diagnosis and treatment in physiotherapy and has been widely studied in the lumbopelvic region the last three decades. The aims for this utility in clinical settings must be review through a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. A systematic review was designed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines with PROSPERO registration and per review in all phases of the process using COVIDENCE, analysis of risk of bias and meta-analysis using REVMAN, and meta-regression calculation using STATA. Database screening provided 6544 references, out of which 321 reported narrative synthesis, and 21 reported quantitative synthesis, while only 7 of them provided comparable data to meta-analyze the variables pain and muscle thickness. In most cases, the forest plots showed considerable I2 heterogeneity indexes for multifidus muscle thickness (I2 = 95%), low back pain (I2 = 92%) and abdominal pain (I2 = 95%), not important for transversus abdominis muscle thickness (I2 = 22%), significant heterogenity (I2 = 69%) depending on the subgroup and not important internal oblique muscle thickness (I2 = 0%) and external oblique muscle thickness (I2 = 0%). Meta-regression did not provide significant data for the correlations between the variables analyzed and the intervention, age, and BMI (Body Mass Index). This review reveals that RUSI could contribute to a high reliability of the measurements in the lumbopelvic region with validity and reliability for the assessments, as well as showing promising results for diagnosis and intervention assessment in physiotherapy compared to the traditional model, allowing for future lines of research in this area.

Evaluating a Muscle Ultrasound Education Program: Theoretical Knowledge, Hands-on Skills, Reliability, and Satisfaction of Critical Care Physiotherapists

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate learning results of critical care physiotherapists participating in a muscle ultrasound (MUS) educational program.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A custom-made 20-hour MUS course was performed over a 2-week time period, including knobs familiarization, patient positioning, anatomic landmarks, image acquisition, and limb muscle measurements.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen critical care physiotherapists with little to no prior experience in ultrasound (N=19).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Theoretical knowledge, hands-on skills acquisition, and satisfaction were assessed. Inter- and intrarater reliability on landmarks, thickness, and pennation angle of quadriceps between participants was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Reliability among instructors measured prior to the course was also reported as a reference.

RESULTS

The percentage score (mean±SD) of knowledge questionnaires was 69±11 (pre-course), 89±10 (post-course), and 92±9 (hands-on skills). Course satisfaction scores ranged from 90%-100%. Pooled interrater reliability of participants (median ICC [interquartile range]) was good (0.70 [0.59-0.79]) for thickness, moderate (0.47 [0.46-0.92]) for landmarks, and absent (0.00 [0.00-0.05]) for pennation angle and the intrarater reliability was good (0.76 [0.51-0.91]) for thickness and weak (0.35 [0.29-0.52]) for pennation angle. Interrater ICC values for instructors were excellent (0.90) for thickness, good (0.67) for landmarks, and moderate (0.41) for pennation angle and intrarater ICC values were excellent (0.94) for thickness and good (0.75) for pennation angle.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our sample was quite small and homogeneous, increased theoretical knowledge, high hands-on performance acquisition, and good satisfaction of physiotherapists were observed. Reliability was moderate to excellent for thickness and landmarks and absent to weak for pennation angle. Landmarking and pennation angle remain challenges for physiotherapist training in the application of MUS. Further studies are needed to identify variables that could modify reliability during MUS training.

Exploring the use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists: An international survey

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.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging - An exploration of physiotherapists' interests and use in practice

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSKUSI) has gained popularity; several professions have expressed an interest in this application but the clinical use by physiotherapists has not been fully researched.

OBJECTIVES

To explore physiotherapists' interests and use of MSKUSI in practice.

DESIGN

Sequential mixed-methods; questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews.

METHOD

A questionnaire was developed and distributed to gain initial information, (75 responses). Analysis informed topic-guide development and enabled a purposive-sampling strategy for semi-structured interviews that explored physiotherapists' interests, education and clinical use of MSKUSI (n = 11). Interview data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Five themes were identified: 1. Professional skill set - physiotherapists' suitability for MSKUSI. 2. Factors that have impacted physiotherapists' ability to use MSKUSI. 3. Physiotherapists' motivation to use ultrasound - improving patient focused care. 4. Quality assurance strategies. 5. Application of biopsychosocial model. Themes revealed links between physiotherapists' core skills, knowledge and professional experiences that align with MSKUSI requirements. Some participants reported support accessing education but many described challenges finding appropriate mentorship. Participants observed education did not always reflect practice typical of physiotherapists. Application of clinical reasoning processes utilised by physiotherapists was regarded as integral to patient-focused scanning.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapists' professional training and musculoskeletal practice are seen as a foundation for education in MSKUSI. Accessing education can be challenging, in particular mentorship that fully incorporates the biopsychosocial model. Proposed roles for MSKUSI for physiotherapists include verification of clinical assessment findings for diagnosis and facilitation of patient education. The potential to streamline patient pathways and optimise resource management warrants investigation.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging - Integration with the biopsychosocial model

BACKGROUND AND METHOD

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, (MSKUSI) has become a popular imaging modality in recent years and is being utilised by a variety of professions in clinical environments beyond radiology departments. A previously published study exploring physiotherapists' interests and use of MSKUSI in practice included in-depth interviews of participants, (n = 11). The data from this qualitative study were analysed thematically and five themes were identified; one was 'Application of the biopsychosocial model', the basis of this paper.

RESULT

The theme, 'Application of the biopsychosocial model' drew together three categories of analysed data: clinical reasoning, professional variance and communication opportunity. 'Clinical reasoning' reflected the participants' value on subjective assessment information and the integration of ultrasound imaging with physical examination findings. 'Professional variance' observed the scanning processes undertaken by physiotherapists tended to vary from other professionals, the physiotherapists perceived their use of dynamic imaging was greater, in particular scanning in symptom provoking positions. Another variance observed was the style of communication that physiotherapists used when scanning, this was categorised as a 'communication opportunity' as it represented an event that could be utilised to promote patient understanding of their presentation, link imaging findings to proposed management and enhance compliance with rehabilitation strategies. Participants emphasised their responsibility when communicating with patients to avoid language that could promote unhelpful behaviour, e.g. catastrophisation.

CONCLUSION

Participants placed value on integrating musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into the biopsychosocial model, further research to explore the impact of this approach on patients' clinical outcomes and reported experiences is required.

Exploring the clinical use of ultrasound imaging: A survey of physiotherapists in New Zealand

BACKGROUND

In New Zealand ultrasound imaging (USI) is being used increasingly by physiotherapists. To fully understand the extent to which physiotherapists in New Zealand are using USI, it is necessary to evaluate not only the context of its clinical use but also the barriers preventing its uptake.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the field and scope of use of USI, the type and content of training and the barriers restricting physiotherapists from using the technique.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational design utilising an Internet-based electronic survey.

METHOD

An electronic survey built on the design of previous research with guidance from an expert review panel. Participants were included if they were New Zealand registered physiotherapists.

RESULTS

Of the 465 participants who responded, 433 were eligible to complete the survey. There were 415 participants who completed the survey, 24% who said they used USI whilst 76% did not. For those using USI, the uses were varied including those within a rehabilitative paradigm (i.e. biofeedback; 52%) and also diagnostic (49%). USI training was also varied ranging from formal to informal. The main barriers preventing physiotherapists from using USI were lack of training, access to equipment, and equipment expense.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants reported a variety of clinical uses of USI and levels of training. A better understanding of the clinical uses and benefits of USI would enhance both training and clinical uptake. With the identification of barriers limiting physiotherapists' use of USI, ways to overcome these in New Zealand can now be explored further.

Current and Prospective Use of Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging at Chiropractic Teaching Institutions: A Worldwide Survey of Diagnostic Imaging Staff

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to survey the use of musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound imaging (MSK-DUSI) at chiropractic educational programs worldwide and to elicit opinions of academic diagnostic imaging staff of its prospective use at their teaching institutions.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was delivered in 2014 using SurveyMonkey and notifications were disseminated by e-mail to 127 diagnostic imaging staff at chiropractic programs worldwide. The questionnaire consisted of 27 items using multiple-choice, Likert-type, and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for basic demographic data and the results of the numerical scales used in each item.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine respondents (46.5%) from 24 (24/41) chiropractic programs returned questionnaires. The reported use of MSK-DUSI at chiropractic programs is low (n = 5/24); however, respondents from 9 institutions stated that it is planned to be implemented. Few respondents stated they had formal MSK-DUSI qualifications (4/59); however, 7 respondents stated they were in the process of becoming certified. Most respondents expressed an interest in the prospect of incorporating MSK-DUSI at their chiropractic program. Sixty-five percent stated that chiropractic programs should provide MSK-DUSI training to chiropractic students, and 75% of respondents stated that chiropractic programs should be providing accredited postgraduate MSK-DUSI courses.

CONCLUSIONS

The current use of MSK-DUSI among chiropractic programs that responded to this survey is low. The opinions of diagnostic imaging staff who responded suggest a positive attitude to its use and possible growth in its use if foundational work, including gaining funding, accreditation, and acceptance of within the scope of chiropractic practice, is undertaken.

Physiotherapy postgraduate studies in South Africa: Facilitators and barriers

Aim

To investigate the facilitators and barriers to attaining a postgraduate physiotherapy degree in South Africa.

Methods

A quantitative, cross-sectional design using an internet-based survey was employed. The population of the study included all qualified physiotherapists who had completed community service and who were on the South African Society of Physiotherapy e-mailing list at the time of the study.

Results

In all, 425 valid responses were received. The study participants were predominantly white women with a mean age of 36.9 and the majority were working in private practice. A total of 20.5% of respondents had completed a master's or doctoral degree in physiotherapy, while a further 13% of respondents were registered for a postgraduate degree in physiotherapy at the time of the study. Study participants who had obtained a postgraduate degree identified the same main barriers (namely cost/lack of financial support, family commitments and lack of time) and the same main facilitators (namely gaining of expertise, fulfilment of a personal goal and improvement of patient care) as participants who had not obtained a postgraduate degree. Participants who had not obtained a postgraduate degree were significantly more likely (p < 0.05) to report concerns regarding their own ability and a lack of motivation as barriers to further study.

Conclusion

South African physiotherapists with and without a postgraduate degree reported common facilitators and barriers to pursuing postgraduate studies. In order to ensure that a greater number and diversity of physiotherapists see postgraduate studies as a worthwhile career option, stakeholders in health and education in both the South African public and private sectors need to be engaged to limit the barriers to postgraduate study and seek novel methods of making postgraduate study a more attractive option from a personal development and career perspective.

Ordering diagnostic imaging: a survey of ontario physiotherapists' opinions on an expanded scope of practice

PURPOSE

To explore Ontario physiotherapists' opinions on their ability to order diagnostic imaging (DI).

METHODS

An online questionnaire was sent to all registered members of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Descriptive statistics were calculated using response frequencies. Practice characteristics were compared using χ(2) tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

RESULTS

Of 1,574 respondents (21% response rate), 42% practised in orthopaedics and 53% in the public sector. Most physiotherapists were interested in ordering DI (72% MRI/diagnostic ultrasound, 78% X-rays/computed tomography scans). Respondents with an orthopaedic caseload of 50% or more (p<0.001) and those in the private sector (p<0.001) were more interested in ordering DI. Respondents preferred a DI course that combined face-to-face and Web-based components and one that was specific to their area of practice. Most respondents perceived minimal barriers to the uptake of ordering DI, and most agreed that support from other health care professionals would facilitate uptake.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Ontario physiotherapists are interested in ordering DI. For successful implementation of a health care change, such as physiotherapists' ability to order DI, educational needs and barriers to and facilitators of the uptake of the authorized activity should be considered.

Validity of musculoskeletal ultrasound for identification of humeroradial joint chondral lesions: a preliminary investigation

CONTEXT

Epicondylalgia is a common condition involving pain-generating structures such as tendon, neural, and chondral tissue. The current noninvasive reference standard for identifying chondral lesions is magnetic resonance imaging. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MUS) may be an inexpensive and effective alternative.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the intrarater reliability and validity of MUS for identifying humeroradial joint (HRJ) chondral lesions.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Clinical anatomy research laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-eight embalmed cadavers (14 women, 14 men; mean age = 79.5 ± 8.5 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

An athletic trainer performed MUS evaluation of each anterior and distal-posterior capitellum and radial head to identify chondral lesions. The reference standard was identification of chondral lesions by gross macroscopic examination. Intrarater reliability for reproducing an image was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (3,k) for measurements of the articular surface using 2 images. Intrarater reliability to evaluate a single image was calculated using the Cohen κ for agreement as to the presence of chondral lesions. Validity was calculated using the agreement of MUS images and gross macroscopic examination.

RESULTS

Intrarater reliability was 0.88 (95% confidence interval = 0.77, 0.94) for reproducing an image and 0.93 (95% confidence interval = 0.80, 1.06) for evaluating a single image. Identifying chondral lesions on all HRJ surfaces with MUS demonstrated sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.28, positive predictive value = 0.58, negative predictive value = 0.77, positive likelihood ratio = 1.28, and negative likelihood ratio = 0.27.

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a reliable and sensitive tool for a clinician with relatively little experience and training to rule out HRJ chondral lesions. These results may assist with clinical assessment and decision making in patients with lateral epicondylalgia to rule out HRJ chondral lesions.

Use of creative activities in occupational therapy practice in Sweden

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of creative activities in occupational therapy in Sweden and how often Swedish occupational therapists use creative activities as a means of intervention. A web-mail survey was sent to 2975 Swedish occupational therapists working in health care at regional, county council or primary health care level, and those working in vocational rehabilitation. A total of 1867 (63%) answered the questionnaire and showed that 44% did use creative activities as a means of intervention and most often by practitioners working in psychiatric health care. The most commonly used form of creative activity was arts and crafts followed by gardening. This web-mail survey was based on a limited amount of items regarding creative activities. Further research should focus on in-depth inquiries about how occupational therapists and their patients perceive the use of creative activities as a means of treatment in occupational therapy.