The use of an e-learning module on return to work advice for physiotherapists - A prospective cohort study.
Background: Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) can progress to chronic disability and prolonged absence from work. Despite clinical and professional guidelines, physiotherapists often fail to address return to work outcomes. Aims: The aim of this exploratory study was to determine whether an e-learning resource tailored to physiotherapy practice could affect physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs regarding return to work advice for their patients. Design: A prospective interventional cohort study (pilot). Methods: Participants were recruited via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. Responses on a clinical vignette, the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Scale (HC-Pairs), and the Behavioral Constructs Questionnaire (BCQ) were collected online at baseline (Q1) and 2-months post-intervention (Q2). Results: Fifty-four physiotherapists completed Q1 and the response rate for Q2 was 44/54 (81%). Changes in the degree of agreement with guidelines indicated that the intervention made an impact on respondents (kappa 0.345; p = 0.003). HC-Pairs and BCQ results showed a nonstatistically significant trend toward the target behavior. Conclusions: There is a need for interventions to improve adherence with advice for return to work following nonspecific LBP. An e-learning tool for physiotherapists on advising patients regarding return to work has potential to positively affect self-reported clinical behavior.
['Chance-Larsen|Fiona|F|', 'Chance-Larsen|Kenneth|K|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7619-4054', 'Divanoglou|Anestis|A|', 'Baird|Andrew|A|']
D000328:Adult D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction D005260:Female D006801:Humans D017116:Low Back Pain D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D016272:Occupational Health D059825:Physical Therapists D010865:Pilot Projects D011446:Prospective Studies D062707:Return to Work D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D055815:Young Adult
e-learning return to work Low back pain guidelines case management occupational health