Implementation of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework: A survey among IFOMPT organisations

The IFOMPT (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists) Cervical Framework was first published in 2012 and reviewed in 2020. The document was a result of the IFOMPT Member Organisations' (MO) request for consistency and guidance regarding teaching and practice of safe assessment and management of individuals with neck and head pain and dysfunction.

To evaluate the knowledge, dissemination, and implementation of the 2020 IFOMPT Cervical Framework by MOs.

An international survey with closed- and open-ended questions was conducted among all IFOMPT MOs. Formal informed consent was requested, and data were collected anonymously.

Twenty-five of 42 invited organisations completed the survey. Respondents reported that the Framework was extensively disseminated to both members (100%) and educational programs (92%). 52% provided recommendations regarding implementation in the own country while only 12.5% towards educational programs. Five representatives (20%) reported having designed an information sheet for patients about cervical musculoskeletal interventions safety, mainly for thrust manipulation (84.3%) but none for exercise (0%). End-range thrust manipulation remains rarely recommended, especially for the upper cervical spine (8.7%).

The dissemination of the new IFOMPT Cervical Framework among members and educational programs was successful. However, only marginal recommendations were provided by the MOs/AMOs/RIGs regarding implementation of the Framework. Moreover, improvement is possible regarding providing information to patients and the Frameworks' recommendation to avoid end range treatment techniques.