Education Needs of Canadian Physiotherapists Working With People Living With Dementia: An Online Survey

Purpose: To evaluate the education needs of Canadian physiotherapists in working with people living with dementia. Method: An online survey (English and French) was completed by physiotherapists registered to practice in Canada. Data collection included demographics, training in dementia, Confidence in Dementia Scale (CiD), Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), Impact of Cognitive and Behavioural Symptoms on Physiotherapy Treatment, and strategies for cognitive and behavioural symptoms. A descriptive summary and analysis of outcomes based on education were performed. Results: One hundred thirty physiotherapists participated (age = 39.8 (10.7) years and 12.5 (11.0) years of practice). Education on dementia was reported by 55% during entry-to-practice and 65% after graduation. Training was reported as sufficient for 60.3% in mild, 49.6% in moderate, and 29.2% for severe dementia. The score on the DKAS was 60% and the CiD score was 67.4%. Therapists reported strategies to manage the behavioural symptoms of anxiety (67%) and agitation (61%), and cognitive symptoms of memory (79%) and language impairment (50%). Overall, 60.1% reported good job satisfaction in caring for PLWD. Conclusions: Confidence, knowledge, and job satisfaction was fair. Education needs included dementia knowledge and strategies for behavioural and cognitive symptoms. Targeted education needs to begin in entry-to-practice training and be available in post-professional courses.