Shared decision-making in physical therapy: A cross-sectional study on physiotherapists' knowledge, attitudes and...

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Health Sciences
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of patient-centered care.
• Understanding the current landscape of SDM among healthcare professionals is essential for effective implementation.
• Physiotherapy practice involves complex patient interactions where SDM can enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate physiotherapists' knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported use of shared decision-making (SDM) in Germany.
• To explore associations between SDM and demographic characteristics of physiotherapists.
• To identify barriers hindering the implementation of SDM in physiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to a sample of physiotherapists in Germany.
• Data on knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported use of SDM were collected.
• Two-level logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with SDM.

Main Results:

• A significant portion (60.5%) of participants reported no prior knowledge of SDM.
• Attitudes towards SDM were generally positive, with half expressing a preference for its use.
• A paternalistic approach was reported by approximately two-thirds of participants in routine care.
• Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported use of SDM were found to be associated with demographic factors.

Conclusions:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is considered a relevant concept within physiotherapy.
• A discrepancy exists between positive attitudes towards SDM and limited knowledge and self-reported use.
• There is a clear need for targeted interventions to improve SDM implementation in physiotherapy practice.