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The ability of Austrian registered physiotherapists to recognize serious pathology
Jessie Janssen1, Wolfgang Lackenbauer2, Simon Gasselich2
1Institute of Therapeutic and Midwifery Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria. jessie.janssen@imc.ac.at.
Background:
Serious pathology masking as musculoskeletal conditions is rare, still it is pertinent that physiotherapists can recognise it. This ability has been investigated internationally, however the decision-making skills of registered Austrian physiotherapists has not been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of registered Austrian physiotherapists to make accurate keep-refer decisions based on clinical vignettes.
Methods:
In this national survey registered Austrian (self-)employed physiotherapists were recruited and completed 12 clinical vignettes. Correctly answered vignettes were listed as percentages.
Results:
479 physiotherapists participated in the study. The response rate of the self-employed physiotherapists was 8.0%. On average participants classified 70.5% of the musculoskeletal cases, 79.4% of the non-critical medical cases, and 53.3% of the critical medical cases correctly.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that, despite the limitations of using written clinical vignettes, registered Austrian physiotherapists welcome additional training to improve their skills in identifying serious pathology. Targeted training and educational programs including new and more detailed educational clinical vignettes relevant for non-direct access countries are needed to enhance physiotherapists' diagnostic skills and decision-making processes.
