Adoption of a research-based program for neck disorders implemented in primary care physiotherapy: a short- and long-term follow-up survey study.
Neck disorders are common in primary health care (PHC) physiotherapy. A neck-specific exercise program based on research findings was implemented among physiotherapists in Swedish PHC. The aim of the study was to evaluate the adoption of the program. We invited PHC physiotherapists to an educational session including theoretical information and practical training. Before the educational session the participants (n = 261) completed a baseline questionnaire. After 3 and 12 months, we distributed surveys to identify changes in practice and in confidence regarding diagnosis and treatment. We compared data from 3-months and 12-months follow-up, respectively, with baseline data. Self-reported frequency of most of the included assessment methods was unchanged after 12 months. Frequency of assessment of neck proprioception had increased significantly. Specific neck muscle exercise for treatment of whiplash associated disorders was applied more frequently after 3 and after 12 months than at baseline. Frequency of other treatment methods remained unchanged. Confidence in diagnosis and treatment increased significantly, particularly among women. The program was not adopted as expected, but resulted in increased confidence regarding diagnosis and treatment. The provision of a short educational session seemed not to be sufficient to obtain a sustained change in practice.
['Carlfjord|Siw|S|', 'Landén Ludvigsson|Maria|M|', 'Peolsson|Anneli|A|', 'Peterson|Gunnel|G|']
D000328:Adult D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D019838:Neck Injuries D019547:Neck Pain D059825:Physical Therapists D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities D011320:Primary Health Care D016730:Program Development D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D013548:Sweden
neck disorders implementation physiotherapy primary health care Education