Publication
Title
Utilisation of outcome measures in the management of non-specific neck pain : a national survey of current physiotherapy practice in the UK
Author
Abstract
Background Routine utilisation of outcome measures (OMs) is an integral part of physiotherapy rehabilitation when managing non-specific neck pain (NSNP). Numerous relevant OMs exist; however, the extent to which OMs are used by physiotherapists in the UK for NSNP is unknown. Objective To determine current utilisation patterns of OMs in UK physiotherapy practice when managing NSNP. Methods An online web-based survey instrument was developed and physiotherapists were invited to participate if they were currently practicing in the UK and had some experience of managing patients with neck pain. Logistic regression analyses using the generalised linear models was carried out to identify characteristics associated with OMs utilisation. Results A total of 2101 surveys were completed. One-third of the respondents reported not using OMs when managing NSNP. Lack of time and clear guidance about the suitability of available OMs were the most commonly reported reasons. A majority of the two-thirds of those who reported using OMs were consistently using pain and range of motion rating measures. Physical/functional limitations, psychological distress, and quality of life constructs, which are frequently associated with NSNP, were rarely measured. Years of practice (p = 0.000), nation (p = 0.019) and proportion of patients with neck pain (p = 0.034) variables were found to be independently associated with frequent use of OMs. Conclusion This survey established the poor integration of OMs in the UK when managing NSNP. Further attention is required to identify or develop OMs which are feasible for use in busy clinical practice and to market them more effectively to physiotherapists.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Musculoskeletal science & practice. - Amsterdam, 2017, currens
Publication
Amsterdam : Elsevier , 2021
ISSN
2468-8630 [print]
2468-7812 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.MSKSP.2021.102347
Volume/pages
52 (2021) , 9 p.
Article Reference
102347
ISI
000647722900019
Pubmed ID
33618232
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.03.2021
Last edited 02.10.2024
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