Adoption of a research-based program for neck disorders implemented in primary care physiotherapy: a short- and long-term follow-up survey study

ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Education
• implementation
• neck disorders
• physiotherapy
• primary health care

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the The Swedish Research Council [Grant 521-2014-2982];The regional Centre for Clinical Research at the County Council of Östergötland [Grant LIO-439541]; Uppsala-Örebro Regional Research Council [Grant RFR- 384651]; The Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University [Not applicable]; The Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden [Grant FORSS-384421, FORSS-472691]; The Swedish government through the REHSAM Foundation [Grant RS2010/009].