Exploring the use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists: An international survey

Background: National surveys in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom suggest ultrasound imaging (USI) use by physiotherapists is increasing. However, concerns exist regarding clarity for scopes of practice, and availability and standardisation of training. Objectives: To investigate physiotherapists' understanding of scopes of practice for the use of USI; clarify the professional contexts, clinical uses and levels of training; and identify barriers preventing physiotherapists' USI use. Design: A cross-sectional, observational survey. Methods: An Internet-based survey, offered in 20 different languages, was used including items covering five domains: (1) demographic and professional characteristics; (2) knowledge of scope of practice; (3) USI use; (4) USI training content and duration; and (5) perceived barriers to physiotherapists' use of USI. Results: 1307 registered physiotherapists from 49 countries responded; 30% were unsure of the scope of practice for physiotherapists' USI use. 38% of participants were users of USI, reporting varied contexts and clinical uses, reflected in the broader categories of: (i) biofeedback; (ii) diagnosis; (iii) assessment; (iv) injection guidance; (v) research; (vi) and teaching. The training users received varied, with formal training more comprehensive. 62% were non-users, the most common barrier was lack of training (76%). Conclusion: These findings suggest physiotherapists' USI use is increasing in various contexts; however, there is uncertainty regarding scopes of practice. There are discrepancies in training offered, with a lack of training the most common barrier to physiotherapists' use of USI. International guidelines, including a USI training framework, are needed to support the consistent and sustainable use of USI in physiotherapy

Exploring the clinical use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists in New Zealand

Background: In New Zealand ultrasound imaging (USI) is being used increasingly by physiotherapists. To fully understand the extent to which physiotherapists in New Zealand are using USI, it is necessary to evaluate not only the context of its clinical use but also the barriers preventing its uptake. Purpose: To examine the field and scope of use of USI, the type and content of training, and the barriers restricting physiotherapists from using the technique. Methods: An electronic survey built on the design of previous research with guidance from an expert review panel to shape the survey to be specific to the New Zealand context. Participants were included if they were New Zealand registered physiotherapists. Results: Of the 465 participants who responded, 433 were eligible to complete the survey. There were 415 participants who completed the survey, 24% who said they used USI whilst 76% did not. For those using USI, the uses were varied including those within a rehabilitative paradigm (i.e. biofeedback; 52%) and also diagnostic (49%). USI training was also varied ranging from formal to informal. The main barriers preventing physiotherapists from using USI were lack of training, access to equipment, and equipment expense. Conclusion(s): The participants reported a variety of clinical uses of USI and levels of training. A better understanding of the clinical uses and benefits of USI would enhance both training and clinical uptake. With the identification of barriers limiting physiotherapists´ use of USI, ways to overcome these in New Zealand can now be explored further. Implications: The findings of this research will have an impact on the design and implementation of future USI training, for physiotherapists, within New Zealand. This planning can take into account the barriers for uptake and resolve to mitigate these. This research will also help to inform a wider international survey Key-Words: Physiotherapists, Ultrasound Imaging, Survey Funding acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Physiotherapy New Zealand Scholarship Trust Fund. Ethics approval: Did this work require ethics approval?:Yes Institution: Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee: Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee Ethics number: 16/352Peer reviewe

Exploring the use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists: An international survey

BackgroundNational surveys in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom suggest ultrasound imaging (USI) use by physiotherapists is increasing. However, concerns exist regarding clarity for scopes of practice, and availability and standardisation of training.ObjectivesTo investigate physiotherapists' understanding of scopes of practice for the use of USI; clarify the professional contexts, clinical uses and levels of training; and identify barriers preventing physiotherapists’ USI use.DesignA cross-sectional, observational survey.MethodsAn Internet-based survey, offered in 20 different languages, was used including items covering five domains: (1) demographic and professional characteristics; (2) knowledge of scope of practice; (3) USI use; (4) USI training content and duration; and (5) perceived barriers to physiotherapists’ use of USI.Results1307 registered physiotherapists from 49 countries responded; 30% were unsure of the scope of practice for physiotherapists’ USI use. 38% of participants were users of USI, reporting varied contexts and clinical uses, reflected in the broader categories of: (i) biofeedback; (ii) diagnosis; (iii) assessment; (iv) injection guidance; (v) research; (vi) and teaching. The training users received varied, with formal training more comprehensive. 62% were non-users, the most common barrier was lack of training (76%).ConclusionThese findings suggest physiotherapists' USI use is increasing in various contexts; however, there is uncertainty regarding scopes of practice. There are discrepancies in training offered, with a lack of training the most common barrier to physiotherapists’ use of USI. International guidelines, including a USI training framework, are needed to support the consistent and sustainable use of USI in physiotherapy