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The objectives of the study were: 1) Describe the thematic structure and evolution of the field of physical therapy; 2) identify the main research producers (i.e. countries and institutions); and 3) compare their research output and citation impact. Papers related to physical therapy indexed in Web of Science (2000–2018) were identified to delineate the field, using keywords, journals, and citation networks. VOSviewer software, advanced bibliometric text mining, and visualization techniques were used to evaluate the thematic structure. We collected data about the country and institutional affiliation of all the authors and calculated production and citation impact indicators. 85,697 papers were analyzed. Eleven thematic clusters were identified: 1) "health care and education"; 2) "biomechanics"; 3) "psychosocial, chronic pain and quality of life outcomes"; 4) "evidence-based physical therapy research methods"; 5) "traumatology and orthopedics"; 6) "neurological rehabilitation"; 7) "psychometrics and cross-cultural adaptation"; 8) "gait-balance analysis and Parkinson's disease"; 9) "exercise"; 10) "respiratory physical therapy"; and 11) "back pain." The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were the most productive countries. Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden had the highest citation impact. Our bibliometric visualization approach makes it possible to comprehensively study the thematic structure of physical therapy. The ranking of producers has evolved and now includes China and Brazil. High research production does not imply a high citation impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with broad scale cancellation of allied health student placements due to COVID-19, placement coordinators at The University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health established remote, online work-integrated learning placements across a range of settings, including a primary school, specialist school, kindergarten association and a homelessness sector organization. To ensure safe and high-quality placements, the evidence for telepractice and placement innovation was reviewed and integrated with existing knowledge of developing quality service-learning placements and COVID-safe guidelines from professional associations. This paper describes how placements were established, how student learning needs were aligned with host site objectives, and critically analyses the benefits and challenges of the online placement format. Partnerships, communication, and planning with all stakeholders were critical in placement redesign. The outcome is that students have enhanced their clinical and professional skills and provided community services to clients that would otherwise not have been provided during a pandemic.

Recent decades have seen cadaveric anatomy teaching decline and shift from traditionally team-taught practicals in large dissection laboratories to sole-taught classes in smaller laboratories. Such changes may alter teaching quality due to loss of peer teacher interactions in class. The current study aimed to compare experiences of team-taught versus sole-taught practicals in the same course across two campuses. This paper presents on the staff experiences. The study utilised educational design research methodology for an iterative approach to solving the problem of optimising cadaveric-based teaching. Classes at the metropolitan campus were team-taught (lead demonstrator, clinical demonstrator and near-peer demonstrator, n=18) and sole-taught at the regional, smaller campus (lead demonstrator only, n=5). Demonstrators completed an anonymous online survey that explored their teaching experiences and thematic analysis of survey data was conducted. Benefits of team-teaching were captured under the themes "learn-observe-support," "more time with students" and "catering for student differences." While most team-teaching staff reported no challenges, some noted the need for time to establish effective team dynamics. Sole-teaching staff reported the benefit of "consistency in teaching" but challenges in "providing adequate support" to all students. While sole-teaching facilitates consistency in teaching, team-teaching enables staff to develop teaching expertise and anatomical knowledge from interactions with a range of demonstrators during practicals. Team-teaching facilitates knowledge transfer between staff, and this holds important workforce implications for developing anatomy teachers of the future.

The article focuses on the application of participation-focused therapy in children with cerebral palsy for improvement in physical activity goal performance, satisfaction, and confidence.

This paper presents the research findings from a study reviewing graduates' opinions on completing online reflective journaling tasks during work integrated learning as an undergraduate. The study was divided into two parts with an initial focus group conducted with six physiotherapy graduates seven months following graduation. Findings from the focus group guided the development of a questionnaire sent to graduates nine months after course completion. Results from both the focus group and questionnaire (n = 25) highlighted the benefits of online, structured, assessed reflective writing tasks. Graduates provided specific examples of their personal and professional development and perceived benefits from undertaking reflective journaling during work integrated learning. These findings may have application across a wide variety of tertiary courses of study with work integrated learning incorporated into curriculum. [Papers included in this "Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education" ("APJCE") Special Issue stem from selected manuscripts from the Australian Collaborative Education Network Annual Conference 2012.]

This paper presents students' perceptions of the benefits to employability of a suite of courses that incorporate both work-integrated learning (WIL) and career development learning (CDL). Field Project A and Field Project B are elective courses in the Bachelor of Exercise Science at Griffith University. These courses engage students in active and personalized learning experiences that have been designed utilizing the principles of the SOAR model (Self-awareness, Opportunity awareness, Aspirations, Results). Four students who completed both courses participated in semistructured interviews. Data was collected using thematic analysis of student responses. Results indicated that employability was enhanced as students developed realistic aspirations based on sound information and WIL experiences that can help achieve their personal career goals as they transition into the workforce. The courses provide a practical model for university academics and career development practitioners to work collaboratively. Importantly, they give students a competitive advantage, enabling them to become more proactive, confident and motivated in maximizing opportunities to manage their careers and lifelong learning.

This paper reports on a trial of a new model of clinical education designed to increase student clinical placement availability and address workforce constraints on supervision. The University of Sydney deployed the Capacity Development Facilitators (CDF) in selected Sydney hospitals to work with staff to expand student clinical placement opportunities by identifying enablers, barriers and stressors of clinical placements and collaboratively developing solutions, provide organizational and learning support and foster opportunities for interprofessional learning. A mixed methods study was undertaken collecting data from physiotherapy students and their clinical educators (CE). At completion of placement students and CEs completed a survey. This was analyzed for themes about placement structure, productivity, barriers, enablers, stressors and support. Preliminary findings suggest the CDF model increases capacity, provides robust learning experiences and satisfaction with placements from the hospital, university staff and students' perspectives.

This paper reviews the accreditation requirements for six Allied Health (AH) degree programs in Australia to understand the range of accreditation requirements and approaches, with a particular focus on requirements around clinical education in AH education. Strengths of current approaches and further requirements are identified. Of particular interest are those areas where accreditation could better support educational goals and processes, including the preparation of work ready graduates and the encouragement of the use of currently underutilized opportunities for preparing the AH workforce for future healthcare needs. The findings suggest that the accreditation criteria perform well for the development of students' conceptual and procedural knowledge. However, there are several opportunities for improvement where accreditation could better support preparation of graduates to meet current and future needs of healthcare. These opportunities include increased emphasis on biopsychosocial perspectives of health as healthcare models shift from hospital to community-based settings, increased emphasis on development of interprofessional skills, encouragement of diverse supervision models, explicitness about intentions and interpretations of accreditation requirements, and increased employer representation on accreditation panels. Constraints on universities' uses of new educational approaches imposed by or arising from non-explicit accreditation requirements are outlined. Arising from this analysis, a summary of considerations for AH accreditation bodies is provided.

Assessment of practical clinical skills is essential in the health fields. Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs), where examiners assess students performing clinical procedures on simulated patients (actors), are central to the evaluation of practical skills. However, traditional OSCEs require considerable time-investment to administer, and providing timely, individualised student feedback is difficult. To address these issues, an electronic OSCE (eOSCE) was developed utilising the iPad and specialised software. The eOSCE was trialled in four courses within two entry-level rehabilitative pre-professional programs at two universities, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Evaluation consisted of student surveys (n = 206), eight student focus groups (n = 25), examiner surveys (n = 25) and interviews with course coordinators (n = 3). This paper describes the administration of the eOSCE and reports on its evaluation from the academic's perspective. A majority of examiners (68%) preferred the eOSCE over traditional paper-based OSCEs, primarily because of the consistency and promptness of student feedback. The advantages academics cited were equitable student feedback and post-examination administrative time-savings. Disadvantages of the eOSCE were the pre-examination preparation required and challenges for examiners not comfortable using technology. Overall, the key benefits of the eOSCE were the automated, immediate individualised student feedback and a time saving in OSCE administration.

Increasing numbers of international students studying health sciences in Australia necessitates research into appropriate ways to support cultural diversity in teaching. International students commonly face problems in adapting to culturally different education and health care systems and this complicates the development of the discipline specific skills that they have come to learn. This paper presents a curriculum review of a course, titled "Language and Communication in Physiotherapy" in a Physiotherapy Masters Program for international students. The aim was to redevelop the course to better align with principles of internationalisation of the curriculum, seeking to ensure that the course did not follow a deficit model of meeting international students' needs. A philosophical shift was considered by staff and led to a revision of course aims, content and assessment. Instead of viewing students as having "gaps" in understanding or skills that needed to be patched up in order to fit Australian norms, it was considered that the chief aim of the course was to foster the development of cultural competence. Course changes made as an outcome of the review were evaluated and the outcomes suggest that some of the changes were successful, whilst others require further development. The process of reflective practice followed in undertaking this review was helpful not only in devising course content and assessment changes useful to students' learning, but also in advancing the cultural competence of teachers involved in the course.

In this paper, we examine workplace educators' interpretations of their assessment practices. We draw on a critical practice lens to conceptualise assessment practice as a social, relational and situated practice that becomes critical through critique and emancipation. We conducted semi-structured interviews followed by roundtable discussions with physiotherapy clinical educators in the workplace. Employing a critical hermeneutic approach, data was scrutinised to understand relational and critical dimensions of assessment practices. Findings revealed that participants were socialized into assessment practices. They were aware of the challenges, and they grappled with the tension between their practice-based judgments and documentation of competence. Despite this tension, there was a reluctance to move their awareness of practice tensions towards emancipatory action which could relieve these tensions. We conclude that it is important to acknowledge the judgements which inform assessment practice and the tensions assessors feel between objective and subjective assessments. Assessors who deliberately engage with these tensions can emancipate their assessment practices towards a critical, wise and self-defining practice that nurtures lifelong learning in students and assessors alike.

Introduction: Student physiotherapists' perceptions and experiences when working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia have not been explored. Understanding the perceptions of student physiotherapists in this context may inform educational experiences in the pursuit of culturally responsive care. Therefore, this paper explores the perceptions and experiences of student physiotherapists engaging with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities during clinical placement. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews (n = 13) were conducted between March and September 2022 with final-year physiotherapy students from a single cohort at a single tertiary institution. Data were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated from the data: 1) culture is a challenge for all stakeholders in health, 2) adapting care and communication, 3) modelling from clinical educators and 4) university preparation. Students understood that culture significantly impacts health and that healthcare must be responsive to culture to be appropriate for a person from a culturally and linguistically diverse community. Understanding and being responsive to the unique attitudes, values and beliefs of each individual underpinned student physiotherapists' perception of how healthcare can be culturally responsive, and this was viewed as a pivotal principle of person-centred care. Conclusion: Recommendations are made for stakeholders in physiotherapy clinical education to support opportunities for the development of cultural responsivity during physiotherapy training. University educators are encouraged to consider evaluating the volume and method in which cultural responsivity training is included in physiotherapy programs. Similarly, clinical educators are encouraged to integrate available frameworks for culturally safe practice that are appropriate to their setting of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) reduces cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity and mortality after a cardiac event. Traditional Australian CR programs are located in metropolitan areas and delivered by an expert, multidisciplinary team. Referral and uptake barriers for people living in rural and remote locations are significantly affected by geographical isolation. This scoping review aimed to explore how phase II CR services in rural and remote Australia are being delivered. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to obtain all published literature relating to CR service delivery for people living in rural and remote Australia. A literature search of the following databases was performed in December 2021: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and PubMed. Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Study designs varied and included mixed methods, cross-sectional design and narrative review. Overall, literature relating to CR programs in rural and remote Australia was limited. Three themes were apparent: (1) barriers to the delivery of phase II CR in rural and remote Australia remain; (2) community centre‐based programs do not reach all people in rural and remote Australia; and (3) alternative models of CR are underutilised. Conclusions: Phase II CR programs in rural and remote Australia do not align with current recommendations for service delivery. The use of technology as a primary or adjunct model of delivery to support people living in rural and remote Australia needs to be further developed and implemented. Further research exploring barriers to the uptake of alternative models of CR delivery is recommended. What is known about the topic? After a cardiac event, people living in rural and remote Australia face many barriers to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance. What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates the need to improve CR service access provision in rural and remote Australia via alternate models of delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Exploring barriers to and facilitators of the uptake of hybrid models of delivery is recommended to ensure that CR services reach and support all people living in rural and remote Australia after a cardiac event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the use of an online student evaluation system, Course Experience on the Web (CEW), in a physiotherapy program to improve their Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) results. CEW comprises a course survey instrument modeled on the CEQ and a tailored unit survey instrument. Closure of the feedback loop is integral in the CEW system. Analysis of the data shows that the students' evaluation in their final year of the program is closely correlated with their CEQ results. Increases in the CEQ scores from 2001-04 included an increase in the Good Teaching Scale (27.5), Generic Skills Scale (10.3) and Overall Satisfaction Index (29.3). By using CEW, academics at the School of Physiotherapy were able to determine students' perceptions during the course, make changes to teaching and learning, where appropriate, in a timely manner and, as a result, the CEQ scores were improved markedly. (Contains 2 tables and 4 figures.)

Background: Nurses and midwives predominately work in western-centric health care settings, which may not align with Indigenous perspectives of health and wellbeing. Nurses and midwives will also view care through their own cultural lens. Culturally inappropriate health care can reduce access and engagement in services and contribute to reduced health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Australian codes of conduct for nurses and midwives now advocate for care that is holistic, free of bias and racism, challenges beliefs based on assumption, and is culturally safe for Indigenous peoples. However, there are varying understandings of cultural care, what it looks like, and how to best achieve it. Aim: To highlight the importance of cultural safety in health care and discuss the integration into nursing and midwifery practice. Design: Discussion paper. Discussion: Cultural safety has emerged in Australia as the framework to improve the access and quality of health care for Indigenous people and to improve disparities in health care outcomes. However, the application of these principles for nurses and midwives has not been widely explored. Misconceptions around the concept remain despite the inclusion in national standards and practice frameworks. Conclusion: Evaluation and research that contributes to evidence-based knowledge specifically on the integration of cultural safety in nursing and midwifery practice is required. Impact Statement: This paper provides an overview of the importance of cultural safety in nursing and midwifery practice. Although cultural safety is now embedded in professional codes and standards, there is limited evidence of how this is translated to clinical care. Research and evaluation are needed to evaluate the application of cultural safety principles by nurses and midwives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) presents as localised lower buttock pain with tasks such as squatting and sitting. It is a condition that occurs at all ages and levels of sporting participation and can cause disability with sport, work, and activities of daily living. This paper details a pilot trial protocol for investigating the effectiveness of individualised physiotherapy compared to extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pain and strength in people with PHT. Methods: The study is an assessor-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). One hundred participants with PHT will be recruited from the local community and sporting clubs. Participants will be randomised to receive six sessions of either individualised physiotherapy or ESWT, with both groups also receiving standardised education and advice. Primary outcomes will be global rating of change on a 7-point Likert scale, and the Victorian Institute of Sport—Hamstring (VISA-H) scale, measured at 0, 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include sitting tolerance, the modified Physical Activity Level Scale, eccentric hamstring strength, modified Tampa scale for kinesiophobia, the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire Short Form (ÖMPSQ-SF), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for average and worst pain, participant adherence, the Pain Catastrophizing scale, satisfaction scores, and quality of life. Data will be analysed on an intention to treat basis, with between-group effects estimated using linear mixed models for continuous data and Mann Whitney U tests for ordinal data. Conclusions: This pilot RCT will compare individualised physiotherapy versus ESWT for PHT. The trial will determine feasibility and estimated treatment effects to inform a definitive trial in the future. Trial registration: The trial has been prospectively registered with the Australia & New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000846820), registered 1 July 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373085 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the clinical practice of open dialogues in Finland and articulates some challenges and resonances for clinicians of this way of working. It is a collaborative paper based on a series of reflecting conversations in a North-South dialogue between four Finnish family therapists and an Australian family therapist. The paper begins with an overview of the context of open dialogues in Finland. It then introduces each individual Finnish therapist, followed by dyadic reflecting conversations about the work, before moving to a joint North-South dialogue where all voices join together in responding to each other's contributions. The clinical practice of open dialogues is revealed as ways of thinking, doing and being in relation to self, client, family, networks, and colleagues. Mutual understanding between all involved in the work emerges as a core theme. The paper offers the clinical wisdom of the Finnish therapists to those interested in adapting this way of working to the Australian and New Zealand context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy (PT) is the most commonly practised allied health discipline globally. International PT workforce reforms are underway to deal with increasing patient numbers, shrinking medical and nursing workforces and lengthy waiting lists. It is timely to consider international differences in PT, with the aims of identifying opportunities for shared learning and forming stronger international alliances to support consistent and evidence-based workforce reforms. Methods This paper synthesizes freely available information on PT training and service delivery across the UK, Australia and United States (California). The paper considers differences in roles, workplaces, training, legislation and registration, continuing professional development, and accountability. Results There are similarities between UK, Australia and United States (California) in many areas of PT roles, training, registration, legislation and professional practice. However, none has a standard national mechanism by which to demonstrate PT accountability, patient safety or quality care. Moreover, there are different approaches to workforce reforms. There is considerable duplication in physiotherapy governance. Conclusion There are opportunities for targeted international collaborations regarding workforce reforms such as extending scope of practice, and determining and implementing internationally agreed ways of demonstrating PT accountability. The findings of this review have significant policy implications, and identify areas for collaborative research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of papers related to medical resources including "The Use of Tags and Tag Clouds to Discern Credible Content in Online Health Message Forums," by L. Betel and colleagues, "AccessSurgery: A Review," by Elizabeth Ketterman, and "Presenting with an iPad," by Michael Gerner.

Anterior knee pain is a chronic condition that presents frequently to sport medicine clinics, and can have a long-term impact on participation in physica activity. Conceivably, effective early management may prevent chronicit and facilitate physical activity. Although a variety of nonsurgical interven' tions have been advocated, previous systematic reviews have consistenty been unable to reach conclusions to support their use. Considering a decade has lapsed since publication of the most recent data in these reviews, it is timely to provide an updated synthesis of the literature to assist sports medicine practitioners in making informed, evidence-based decisions. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the evidence for non- surgical interventions for anterior knee pain. A comprehensive search strategy was used to search MEDLINE, EM- BASE, CINAHL® and Pre-CINAHL®, PEDro, PubMed, SportDiscus®, Web of Science®, BIOSIS Previews®, and the full Cochrane Library, while reference lists of included papers and previous systematic reviews were hand searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were randomized clinical trials that used a measure of pain to evaluate at least one nonsurgical inter- vention over at least 2 weeks in participants with anterior knee pain. A modified version of the PEDro scale was used to rate methodological quality and risk of bias. Effect size calculation and meta-analyses were based on random effects models. Of 48 suitable studies, 27 studies with low-to-moderate risk of bias were included. There was minimal opportunity for meta-analysis because of heterogeneity of interventions, comparators and follow-up times. Meta- analysis of high-quality clinical trials supports the use of a 6-week multimodal physiotherapy programme (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.08, 95% CI 0.73, 1.43), but does not support the addition of electromyography bio- feedback to an exercise programme in the short-term (4 weeks: SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.64,0.21; 8-12 weeks: SMD -0.22,95% CI -0.65, 0.20). Individual study data showed beneficial effects for foot orthoses with and without multimodal physiotherapy (vs flat inserts), exercise (vs control), closed chain exercises (vs open chain exercises), patella taping in conjunction with exercise (vs exercise alone) and acupuncture (vs control). Findings suggest that, in implementing evidence-based practice for the nonsurgical management of anterior knee pain, sports medicine practitioners should prescribe local, proximal and distal components of multimodal physiotherapy in the first instance for suitable patients, and then consider foot orthoses or acupuncture as required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profile and reach of physiotherapy has expanded in areas of extended scope of practice, and broader engagement with population needs beyond the individual treatment encounter. These changes raise increasingly complex ethical challenges evidenced by growth in physiotherapy-based ethics studies and discussions. This paper examines how a broad cross section of Australian physiotherapists perceive, interpret, and respond to ethical challenges in their work contexts and how professional codes of conduct are used in their practice. Using an interpretive qualitative methodology, purposive sampling of 88 members of national clinical special interest groups were recruited for focus group discussions. Narrative-based and thematic data analysis identified ethical challenges as emerging from specific clinical contexts, and influenced by health organizations, funding policies, workplace relationships, and individually held perspectives. Five themes were developed to represent these findings: (1) the working environment, (2) balancing diverse needs and expectation, (3) defining ethics, (4) striving to act ethically, and (5) talking about ethics. The results portray a diverse and complex ethical landscape where therapists encounter and grapple with ethical questions emerging from the impact of funding models and policies affecting clinical work, expanding boundaries and scope of practice and changing professional roles and relationships. Codes of conduct were described as foundational ethical knowledge but not always helpful for "in the moment" ethical decision-making. Based on this research, we suggest how codes of conduct, educators, and professional associations could cultivate and nurture ethics capability in physiotherapy practitioners for these contemporary challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Introductory anatomy and physiology provide a core knowledge base to students within clinical health science courses. Increased student numbers, as well as reduced access to laboratory-based cadaveric resources, have created a need for enhanced learning approaches to support learning. The streamlining of courses has also resulted in the need to effectively engage course sub-groups within large units. The purpose of this paper is to utilize the eLearning activities to investigate engagement and satisfaction levels within students undertaking an anatomy and physiology unit.Design/methodology/approach A total of 19 formative quizzes were made available to students. Online practical anatomy laboratories covered anatomical content, and physiology quizzes covered physiological content. Student engagement was compared using frequency analysis across students studying varying courses. Satisfaction was determined by analyzing student's feedback using frequency analysis.Findings Students accessed the learning activities 29,898 times over semester, with the peak access (37 percent) prior to the closed book exams. The resources were utilized primarily as an exam preparation tool rather than consistently throughout semester. Out of the various courses, the Paramedicine, Physiotherapy and Podiatry students were the most engaged, with the highest percent of "engaged/highly engaged" students. Students from various courses shared very similar views of the perceived benefit of the eLearning activities.Practical implications These results indicated a difference in engagement levels between the students of various course sub-groups, and therefore suggests that the development of course-specific eLearning activities is necessary in large, streamlined units to achieve a more focused approach to support students' learning, engagement and success, so that positive and beneficial learning experiences are ensured for all students.Originality/value These results suggest that in the future, development of eLearning activities is necessary to achieve a more focused approach to support students' learning, engagement and success, so that positive and beneficial learning experiences are ensured for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australian Indigenous health remains inequitable on a number of health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Preventable chronic conditions make up a large proportion of the ‘gap’ in Indigenous health. Physiotherapists have expertise in the management of such conditions and health promotion in the areas of physical activity, pain and symptom management, managing the impact of co-morbidities and promoting self-management. However, there is little published literature regarding effective approaches of teaching Indigenous health to entry-to-practice physiotherapy students. Objectives: This paper offers insights from an innovative Indigenous pedagogical approach for second year Doctor of Physiotherapy students at the University of Melbourne that explores indigenized place and space in the teaching of Indigenous health. Major findings: Student feedback indicated that aspects of the session were effective in the context of ‘a productive tension’ evidenced by insightful, constructive, and empathic reflections. Conclusions: A demonstrated willingness by students to engage with an indigenized place and to engage with the ‘tension’ indicated the shift required in the physiotherapy academic space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian chiropractic and osteopathic professions underwent a period of significant transformation between 1960 and 2000. This resulted in an improvement in the views held by themedical profession towards the two professions.However, a recent survey of Australian general practitioners (GPs) reported that a number of GPs still hold negative views towards chiropractors and osteopaths. This paper examines these views fromthe perspective of critical realism and explores the generativemechanisms that can influence the willingness of health practitioners to collaborate over patient care. A qualitative analysis of open-ended responses to a survey of 630 Australian GPs was conducted. Unfavourable attitudes of GPs towards chiropractors and osteopaths included perceived lack of safety, efficacy, and inadequacy of training, despite chiropractic's and osteopathy's reliance on the same evidence base and similar training to those of othermanual therapy professions such as physiotherapy.These attitudesmay be underpinned by the professional biases against chiropractic and osteopathy that continue to marginalise the professions within the Australian healthcare system. Continued investment in the research base for chiropractic and osteopathic practice is required, along with raising the awareness of GPs about the education and skills of chiropractors and osteopaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Currently there are approximately one billion people worldwide affected by a neurological condition. These conditions may result in a variety of impairments that require assessment and management from a physiotherapist. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to what domains physiotherapists working in clinical settings include in their assessment of this population, with only five domains identified in a recent systematic review. This study aimed to explore current physiotherapy assessments in people with neurological conditions, including barriers, enablers, and influencing factors. Methods: A National online survey of Australian physiotherapists who assessed adults with neurological conditions in their clinical practice. Results: A total of 212 respondents from all states in Australia completed the survey. The mean (SD) age was 35.7 (9.6) years, and the majority were female (85.4%). Respondents worked across various settings assessing stroke most frequently (58.0%). Study results demonstrated variability in assessment practice, with a number of assessment domains being assessed more commonly including balance, muscle strength, gait, falls and safety, function, goal setting, range of movement, pain, co‐ordination, activity tolerance, postural alignment and symmetry, and the upper limb. Experienced physiotherapists and those in rural and remote settings included fewer domains in their assessments. On the other hand, physiotherapists in the community setting included certain domains more frequently than those in other settings. Barriers and enablers were related to therapist caseload, knowledge, and intrinsic patient factors. Discussion: There is variability in domains assessed by Australian physiotherapists, with an emerging consensus for a number of assessment domains. Study results suggest that clinical experience, geographical location, and clinical setting may play a role in the assessment patterns observed. Implications on Physiotherapy Practice: There is little evidence to support what physiotherapists assess in practice, in different settings, in different states within Australia. This study indicates that experience, geographical location, and clinical setting affect the number and types of domains included in the assessment. Further research is needed to develop a consensus on best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to highlight emergent occupational health issues associated with an ageing workforce and sedentary working life, their implications for injury prevention, work ability, and worker well-being. Older workers have a higher rate of injury and disease and their injuries are more costly. It is also known that physical capacity declines with age which is a concern for workers engaged in physically demanding work. In addition to physiological deterioration and the development of occult disease associated with ageing, lower physical capacity may in part be due to lower participation rates in physical activity, and the increasing tendency for sedentariness in working life. Indeed, physical inactivity and sedentary time are increasing in working life and are known to be independently associated with a higher risk of chronic disease-related morbidity and mortality, events which are largely preventable. While ageing and injury and disease are associated with declining work ability, in future more workers will be required to remain in employment beyond current retirement age to meet future workforce demands. This paper will suggest that work ability and worker well-being in an ageing workforce may be optimized by adjusting organizational work practices, by ergonomic re-design and by increasing physical activity in working life. Applied research examples will demonstrate how targeted exercise, incidental physical activity and reduced sitting time can be facilitated in the workplace to promote well-being and work ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Understanding decision-making about health service provision is increasingly important in an environment of increasing demand and constrained resources. Multiple factors are likely to influence decisions about which services will be provided, yet workforce is the most noted factor in the rural physiotherapy literature. This paper draws together results obtained from exploration of service level decision-making (SLDM) to propose 'conceptual' models of rural physiotherapy SLDM. Method A prioritized qualitative approach enabled exploration of participant perspectives about rural physiotherapy decision-making. Stakeholder perspectives were obtained through surveys and in-depth interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reviewed by participants. Participant confidentiality was maintained by coding both participants and sites. A system theory-case study heuristic provided a framework for exploration across sites within the investigation area: a large area of one Australian state with a mix of regional, rural and remote communities. Results Thirty-nine surveys were received from participants in 11 communities. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with physiotherapists and key decision-makers. Results reveal the complexity of factors influencing rural physiotherapy service provision and the value of a systems approach when exploring decision-making about rural physiotherapy service provision. Six key features were identified that formed the rural physiotherapy SLDM system: capacity and capability; contextual influences; layered decision-making; access issues; value and beliefs; and tensions and conflict. Conclusions Rural physiotherapy SLDM is not a one-dimensional process but results from the complex interaction of clusters of systems issues. Decision-making about physiotherapy service provision is influenced by both internal and external factors. Similarities in influencing factors and the iterative nature of decision-making emerged, which enabled linking physiotherapy SLDM with clinical decision-making and placing both within the broader healthcare context. The conceptual models provide a way of thinking about decisions informing rural physiotherapy service provision. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We will monitor compliance with the intervention and adverse events. • Data will be analyzed following intention-to-treat principles. • A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. This a priori statistical analysis plan describes the methods of analysis for the Trial Of Prevention Strategies for low back pain (TOPS). TOPS aimed to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise and education classes compared with a minimal intervention control in preventing recurrence of low back pain (LBP) in people who have recently recovered from an episode of LBP. TOPS is a superiority, pragmatic, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment, blinded outcome assessors, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were randomized to a physical therapist-led exercise and education program for 12 weeks or minimal intervention. The primary outcome was days to recurrence of an episode of LBP. The three key secondary outcomes were days to recurrence of an episode of LBP resulting in (1) activity limitation, (2) care seeking for LBP; and (3) work absence of at least 1 day. Differences in survival curves for the primary (days to recurrence) and secondary outcome (days to LBP with activity limitation, days to care seeking due to LBP, and days to work absence due to LBP) will be compared using Cox regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) and median survival times with 95% confidence intervals (CI) will be calculated. The number of adverse events, including serious adverse events will be reported and the proportion of adverse events between groups will be compared using a Chi-squared test. This paper will provide a detailed description of the planned analyses for the TOPS trial. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000939594). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic floor dysfunction has been described as "a silent epidemic," affecting many people in the community yet under-recognized and insufficiently managed. There is evidence that pelvic floor physiotherapy can manage many of these disorders, however a competency framework to guide and inform pelvic floor physiotherapy training and practice is lacking. The assessment and management of the pelvic floor complex is not addressed as a core component of most entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs despite being within the scope of physiotherapy practice which is in contrast with the knowledge and skills that physiotherapists graduate with in core areas of clinical practice. This results in a registration-competency gap, and the need for post-graduation training to ensure clinicians are appropriately skilled to practice safely and effectively in this area. In addition, there are potential ethical and legal issues unique to this area of physiotherapy practice to be considered. We use a series of clinical scenarios to highlight the domains of knowledge, skills and communication required for practice in this area, based on our experience in Australia. We propose a framework for the future which defines competence in pelvic floor physiotherapy to provide clarity to clinicians about their clinical, ethical and legal obligations to the public, our referrers and third-party payers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to report on the cardiorespiratory assessments, interventions, and outcomemeasures used by physical therapists with critically ill patients and the impact of COVID-19. Design: An anonymous international online survey of practice (through Google Forms) of physical therapists was conducted. Setting: The study was conducted in adult intensive care units. Participants: A total of 309 physical therapists participated in the study. Interventions: A survey was used to determine current cardiopulmonary physical therapy practices in ICU. Results: Predominantly participants were female (74%), aged 31 to 40 years (40%), havingworked in intensive care unit (ICU) for either 0 to 5 years (38%) or 11 to 20 years (28%), andworked full time (72%). Most participants worked in the United Kingdom (36%), Europe (21%), or Australia/Oceania (18%). The 3most frequently reported assessment indicators for cardiopulmonary physical therapy interventions were lobar collapse/atelectasis, audible secretions, and decreased/added lung auscultation sounds. The 3 most commonly used outcome measures included lung auscultation, arterial blood gas analysis, and transcutaneous arterial saturation. The 3 most commonly used physical therapy interventions ("very often" in a descending order) included patientmobilization, repositioning to optimize gas exchange, and endotracheal suctioning. For the COVID-19 cohort, participants reported similar use of patient repositioning to optimize gas exchange and postural drainage, and lower use of patientmobilization and endotracheal suctioning, deep breathing exercises, active cycle of breathing technique, and oropharyngeal suctioning. Conclusion: This survey reports on the characteristics of physical therapists who work in ICU, and their cardiopulmonary physical therapy assessments, interventions, and outcome measures most commonly used, inclusive of patients with COVID-19. There were some differences in interventions provided to the COVID-19 cohort compared with the non-COVID-19 cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose A profession's values guide daily practice and professional behaviours. They clarify what professionalism means to a profession, by providing insight into the values that members of the profession aim to uphold and profess. There has been limited research into the values of the Australian physiotherapy profession, and as such, the values that guide practice and constitute professionalism are not explicit. This study aimed to make a preliminary identification of the values of the profession, by exploring the shared professional values of 14 Australian physiotherapists. Methods This study was guided by a qualitative approach and constructivist paradigm. Purposive sampling was employed to identify physiotherapists who could contribute rich information to the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using an inductive data analysis method. Results The emerging professional values formed three main themes. The first theme, 'the patient and the patient-therapist partnership', incorporated values such as having patient trust and working collaboratively with patients. The theme labelled 'physiotherapy knowledge, skills and practice' included the values of having an evidence base and respecting professional boundaries. The last theme, 'altruistic values', was inclusive of values such as honesty, empathy and caring. The values that emerged went beyond philanthropic values, to values that guided every day practice, professional relationships and the responsibilities of being a professional. Conclusion The results contribute to research orientated towards identifying the values of the profession and in doing so, clarifying what professionalism means to the Australian physiotherapy profession. Differences between the values identified by the American Physical Therapy Association and the study reported in this paper highlight the importance of identifying the values of the profession within the Australian context. In terms of practice implications, physiotherapists may be prompted to reflect on their values and how these values align with those of their patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PARLOUR R and MCCORMACK B. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 308-321 Blending critical realist and emancipatory practice development methodologies: making critical realism work in nursing research This paper examines the efficacy of facilitation as a practice development intervention in changing practice within an Older Person setting and in implementing evidence into practice. It outlines the influences exerted by the critical realist paradigm in guiding emancipatory practice development activities and, in particular, how the former may be employed within an emancipatory practice development study to elucidate and increase understanding pertinent to causation and outcomes. The methodology is based upon an emancipatory practice development approach set within a realistic evaluation framework. This allows for systematic analysis of the social and contextual elements that influence the explication of outcomes associated with facilitation. The study is concentrated upon five practice development cycles, within which a sequence of iterative processes is integrated. The authors assert that combining critical realist and emancipatory processes offers a robust and practical method for translating evidence and implementing changes in practice, as the former affirms or falsifies the influence that emancipatory processes exert on attaining culture shift, and enabling transformation towards effective clinical practice. A new framework for practice development is proposed that establishes methodological coherency between emancipatory practice development and realistic evaluation. This augments the existing theoretical bases for both these approaches by contributing new theoretical and methodological understandings of causation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultural competence, the ability to work in cross-cultural situations, has been acknowledged as a core skill for physiotherapists and other health professionals. Literature in this area has focused on the rationale for physiotherapists to provide culturally-competent care and the effectiveness of various educational strategies to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge about cultural competence by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. However, there is a paucity of research on how students with different cultural needs, who are attending one university class, can be accommodated within a framework of learning core physiotherapy skills to achieve professional standards. Results: This paper reports on steps which were taken to resolve the specific needs of a culturally-diverse body of first year physiotherapy students, and the impact this had on teaching in a new physiotherapy program located in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. Physiotherapy legislative, accreditation and registration requirements were considered in addition to anti-discrimination legislation and the four ethical principles of decision making. Conclusions: Reflection on this issue and the steps taken to resolve it has resulted in the development of a generic framework which focuses on providing quality and equitable physiotherapy education opportunities to all students. This framework is generalizable to other health professions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper will explore the development of occupational therapists' and physiotherapists' roles in work related practice from an early focus on rehabilitation of injured workers, to one including prevention and health promotion. Methods: A review of international evidence identified the roles, tasks and employment paths for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in work related practice. The relationship between government regulation and therapists' access to the workplace was also examined. Results: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists hold valued positions in work related professional practice. Whilst initially their roles were based on injury management through occupational rehabilitation, both professions have demonstrated a clear vision of the importance of prevention of work related injury and disease. Social and workplace changes in the late 1970s in a number of western countries, commencing with the Robens' reforms in the United Kingdom, led to improved legislation and regulation for managing occupational health and safety. Conclusions: The approach of both disciplines to practice in this field reflects their individual professional education. However, some role overlaps exists in consultancy activities in the industrial environment. Implementation of modern OHS regulatory programs in other western countries, including Australia, has increased and broadened the opportunities for therapists, as governments, employers and insurers support early intervention to minimise the impact of workplace injuries and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Self‐directed therapy activities are not currently part of routine care during inpatient rehabilitation. Understanding patient and clinician perspectives on self‐directed therapy is key to increasing implementation. The aim of this study was to investigate barriers and facilitators to implementing a self‐directed therapy programme ("My Therapy") in adult inpatient rehabilitation settings. Methods: My Therapy was recommended by physiotherapists and occupational therapists and completed by rehabilitation inpatients independently, outside of supervised therapy sessions. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and patients were invited to complete an online questionnaire comprising open‐ended questions on barriers and facilitators to prescribing and participating in My Therapy. A directed content analysis of free‐text responses was undertaken, with data coded using categories of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM‐B model). Results: Eleven patients and 20 clinicians completed the questionnaire. Patient capability was reported to be facilitated by comprehensive education by clinicians, with mixed attitudes towards the format of the programme booklet. Clinician capability was facilitated by staff collaboration. One benefit was the better use of downtime between the supervised therapy sessions, but opportunities for patients to engage in self‐directed therapy were compromised by the lack of space to complete the programme. Clinician opportunity was reported to be provided via organisational support but workload was a reported barrier. Patient motivation to engage in self‐directed therapy was reported to be fostered by feeling empowered, engaged, and encouraged to participate. Clinician motivation was associated with belief in the value of the programme. Conclusion: Despite some barriers to rehabilitation patients independently practicing therapeutic exercises and activities outside of supervised sessions, both clinicians and patients agreed it should be considered as routine practice. To do this, patient time, ward space, and staff collaboration are required. Further research is needed to scale‐up the implementation of the My Therapy programme and evaluate its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the barriers and enablers to participation in family‐assisted therapy for older people in Transition Care. Methods: A qualitative study, underpinned by interpretive description, was conducted at two public health services in Melbourne, Australia. Participants included patients in Transition Care, or their family members, who either participated in or chose not to participate in a family‐assisted therapy trial. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Forty‐four participants were interviewed (17 patients and 27 family members). The unifying theme was to let families decide about participation in family‐assisted therapy. The unifying theme was illustrated by three subthemes. The first, what is possible for the family now, described practical considerations including geography, paid and unpaid work structure and commitments and the presence of fit and willing social networks. The second, what is important to the family now, recognised the role of family priorities in deciding. Physical rehabilitation and extra therapy were of high importance to some families. For others, emotional support or searching for a residential aged care bed were more important at the time. Finally, how the family functions described the complexity of relationships and family history that impacted the decision to participate. Conclusions: The decision to participate in family‐assisted therapy is complex and is best made by patients and their families. Clinicians offering family‐assisted therapy are encouraged to avoid assuming what will or will not work for families and instead, to let families decide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is a common debilitating condition. International evidence supports an exercise prescription for CRF. The majority of Australians with cancer do not meet recommended exercise targets. Aims: To analyse the effects of a guideline‐based supervised exercise programme on CRF among a representative private hospital cancer patient sample (n = 268). Methods: We collected data from 268 patients recruited from haematology and oncology over a 5‐year period. Participants underwent a 3‐month CRF exercise programme based on internationally recognised exercise guidelines. The programme, conducted by a multidisciplinary team, operated twice weekly sessions of 2 h duration comprising aerobic, resistance and balance exercises; hydrotherapy and condition counselling; fatigue management; and dietetic, speech pathology and swallowing education (head and neck cancers). The effect of the programme was measured in relation to the following outcomes: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, Fatigue (self‐reported fatigue); Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, general quality of life (health‐related quality of life in cancer); six‐minute walk test; and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Results: Multivariate outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in all four major outcome measures, plus a programme effect of greater than 0.7 for each outcome variable. The programme treatment outcomes were consistent over the 5 years of the programme. Conclusions: The outcomes of this programme contribute to exercise guidelines in Australia. Currently only position statements exist on the subject, but there are no programme guidelines. An exercise prescription is critical to cancer outcomes. This programme is likely to benefit cancer survivors experiencing CRF across private and public hospitals in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A contextual transferability analysis identified group-based circuit training (GCT) as an optimal intervention in German and Austrian outpatient physical therapy to improve mobility post-stroke. GCT incorporates task-oriented, high-repetitive, balance, aerobic and strength training and allows for increased therapy time without increasing personnel. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which German and Austrian physical therapists (PTs) use GCT and its components in the outpatient treatment of stroke-related mobility deficits and to identify factors associated with using GCT components. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Data were analyzed descriptively and using ordinal regression. RESULTS: Ninety-three PTs participated. None reported using GCT moderately to frequently (4–10/10 patients). The percentage of PTs reporting frequent use (7–10/10 patients) of task-oriented, balance, strength, aerobic, and high-repetitive training was 45.2%, 43.0%, 26.9%, 19.4%, and 8.6%, respectively. Teaching or supervising students, time for evidence-based practice activities at work, and working in Austria was associated with using GCT components frequently. CONCLUSION: German and Austrian PTs do not yet use GCT in outpatient physical therapy for stroke. Almost half of PTs, however, employ task-oriented training as recommended across guidelines. A detailed, theory-driven and country-specific evaluation of barriers to GCT uptake is necessary to inform implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the principal place of practice after graduation of students who participated in the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program and allied health students' place of origin. Design: Cross‐sectional study. Participants: Graduates who completed their degree in podiatry, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in 2019. Main Outcome Measures: Principal place of practice at first and third years after graduation. Results: In 2020, 40 allied health professionals (AHPs) who graduated from the University of South Australia in 2019 were practising in rural areas but only 26 of them remained in the rural practice in 2022. The retention rate for rural practice was 65% within 2 years. However, in 2022, 25 allied health professionals left their metropolitan employment location and transitioned to rural practice. Of the 25 allied health graduates who joined the rural practice in 2022, most of them (80%, 20/25) had either rural exposure through the RMHT program or were from rural origin. Conclusions: Rural exposure via the RHMT program and allied health students' rural place of origin have an important role for rural principal place of practice at first and third years after graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This needs assessment study examined current processes of physiotherapy care for adults with back pain in a large teaching hospital serving a multicultural community in Sydney, Australia. Evaluation of current practices is a necessary first step in the design of a patient‐centred, multidisciplinary service that promotes best practice in back pain management. Methods: We conducted a retrospective service evaluation in the physiotherapy outpatient department by reviewing clinical data on episode of care and processes of care for adults managed for back pain over a 6‐month period using a defined protocol (n = 252). Results: Patients (median age = 56 years; 72.2% born outside of Australia) were referred from various internal and external sources, with 79.8% having chronic back pain. The median length of episode of care was 8 weeks. Active interventions were almost universally used (98.4% of records). Key aspects of assessment were frequently recorded (84.5%–98% of records), but psychosocial risk assessment was not routinely recorded. Aspects of longitudinal management planning, including goal setting, outcome measurement, and routine follow‐up, were also not routinely recorded. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that physiotherapy processes of care in this setting followed key messages of best practice particularly with regard to interventions, in contrast to other settings and jurisdictions. However, the brief episodes of care and less evident focus on psychosocial aspects might not align with the needs of the majority with chronic back pain. These findings suggest the need to reframe processes of care with a biopsychosocial approach and structure episodes of care towards long‐term management solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The shift toward patient-centered care in physical therapy fostered a deeper consideration of power-sharing in clinical interactions. Elements of reciprocity may enhance such power considerations between physical therapist and patients, but there has been little investigation into how reciprocity is enacted in physical therapy, its value, and how to improve it if required. This study investigates forms of reciprocity during physical therapist–patient interactions in low back pain (LBP) care with the aim of enhancing patient-centered approaches. Methods The qualitative design involved (1) ethnographic observations at a fee-for-service practice in Australia, and (2) reflexive discussions between researchers and participating clinicians. To understand reciprocity, the analysis drew from the concepts of "accepting'"(or "blocking") "offers" that have been previously applied to physical therapy interactions. The analysis is a sub-study using a larger dataset and analyses in which we partnered with physical therapists and people living with LBP. Results Forty-nine observations and 13 reflexive discussions were undertaken with 42 people with LBP and 10 physical therapists. Analysis developed 3 themes suggesting that forms of reciprocity depended on physical therapists accepting or blocking patients' offers, inviting patients to make an offer, and offering personal stories. These elements of reciprocity are relevant to power-sharing during interactions and may impact patient-centered care. Conclusion Our results suggest that attending to forms of reciprocity can help physical therapists shift power in clinical interactions. By inviting and accepting "offers," physical therapists may build collaborative interactions, support individuals to guide the treatment narrative, and shift away from biomedically centered management approaches. Such recommendations create reciprocal environments that might enhance patient-centered care. Impact This is one of the few studies to explore how reciprocity is enacted in interactions between physical therapists and s with LBP. Our findings highlight how engaging with the concept of reciprocity could assist with sharing power, improving physical therapist–patient relationships, and enhancing patient-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to design, deliver and evaluate an interprofessional education programme for healthcare professionals on how to implement a modified version of the safe recovery programme to prevent falls in hospitalized patients. Design: Mixed methods design incorporating pre‐ and post education surveys and individual semi‐structured interviews. Methods: Thirty‐four health professional participants attended a 1‐h face‐to‐face or Zoom® interprofessional education session to learn how to deliver an evidence‐based patient falls prevention education strategy, the modified Safe Recovery Programme. Results: A 1‐hour education session was insufficient to build full confidence to deliver the Safe Recovery Programme. There was no statistically significant change in participant views on interprofessional collaboration. Participants recommended prior consultation and preparation before delivery of IPE, with additional opportunities for discussion and feedback during implementation with patients. The findings highlight the importance of interprofessional education for evidence‐based interventions in hospitals. Health professionals value education that is timely, interactive, realistic and engaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the knowledge and confidence of physiotherapists in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP); and explore their learning behaviors and preferences related to the management of these knee conditions. One hundred and sixteen Australian and Canadian Physiotherapists were recruited via social media, e-mail, and an online course. Part 1: Quantitative involved an online survey evaluating knowledge of evidence and confidence in providing treatments for knee OA and PFP. Part 2: Qualitative involved semi-structured interviews with 13 participants exploring current practice and learning needs, that were analyzed using an initial framework structured on interview questions, followed by inductive approach to identify additional themes. Awareness regarding evidence supporting exercise for knee OA and PFP was good (89–96%), and qualitative themes indicated physiotherapists emphasized exercise-therapy and education. Perceived value of passive treatments and surgery varied. Preference for face-to-face workshops to address learning needs, alongside describing time and cost barriers to access them, emerged from qualitative findings. Online learning formats were viewed as convenient, but not as effective as face-to-face learning. Knowledge and confidence related to interventions for knee OA and PFP of Australian and Canadian physiotherapist participants broadly aligns with guidelines. Knowledge translation strategies focused on face-to-face workshops, supported by online education may help to bridge evidence-to-practice gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the sustainability of Robot-assisted upper limb therapy (RT-UL) as part of routine occupational therapy and physiotherapy clinical practice. Two separate audits, 12 months apart, of RT-UL computer data records were undertaken to determine sustainability in a subacute rehabilitation unit. Records of the two audits were compared in terms of the number of early subacute stroke survivors using RT-UL, the number of RT-UL sessions, duration of RT-UL sessions, and disciplines prescribing RT-UL. During Audit 1 58% (n = 18) of stroke survivors received RT-UL compared to 50% (n = 7) in Audit 2. The total number of RT-UL sessions reduced between audits (148 vs. 36 sessions) reflecting the overall reduction in admission rates for stroke survivors. There was no significant difference between audits in the average number of RT-UL sessions per patient (p = 0.203) nor the length of sessions (p = 0.762). Patients engaged in active therapy more than three-quarters of the time when on the robotic device. Physiotherapists were the primary prescribers of RT-UL when compared to occupational therapists. RT-UL was in continued and regular use with stroke survivors 2 years after initial implementation within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. RT-UL practice was intensive and used routinely with patients. RT-UL is a sustainable and intensive intervention for stroke survivors within an inpatient rehabilitative setting. The cost-benefits of RT-UL should be evaluated from the perspective of the whole rehabilitation service not just at an individual patient level. RT-UL may be considered a "bridging" form of UL practice for those with more limited active UL movement until there is sufficient UL movement and power for more complex real-world task-specific practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Determine (a) frequency of digital health use to obtain/record clinical information (pre‐COVID‐19); (b) willingness to use digital technologies among physical therapists and patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: 102 physical therapists, and 103 patients were recruited in Australia. An electronic survey ascertained (a) demographic/clinical characteristics, (b) frequency of methods to obtain and record clinical information; (c) willingness to use digital technologies to support musculoskeletal care. Results: Physical therapists mostly used non‐digital methods to obtain subjective (e.g., face‐to‐face questioning, n = 98; 96.1%) and objective information (e.g., visual estimation, n = 95; 93.1%). The top three digital health technologies most frequently used by therapists: photo‐based image capture (n = 19; 18.6%), accessing information logged/tracked by patients into a mobile app (n = 14; 13.7%), and electronic systems to capture subjective information that the patient fills in (n = 13; 12.7%). The top three technologies used by patients: activity trackers (n = 27; 26.2%), logging/tracking health information on mobile apps or websites (n = 12; 11.7%), and entering information on a computer (n = 12; 7.8%). Physical therapists were most willing to use technologies for: receiving diagnostic imaging results (n = 99; 97.1%), scheduling appointments (n = 92; 90.2%) and capturing diagnostic results (n = 92; 90.2%). Patients were most willing to use technologies for receiving notifications about health test results (n = 91; 88.4%), looking up health information (n = 83; 80.6%) and receiving personalised alerts/reminders (n = 80; 77.7%). Conclusions: Physical therapists and patients infrequently use digital health technologies to support musculoskeletal care, but expressed some willingness to consider using them for select functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot assisted upper limb (UL) therapy has been identified as an intervention with the potential to help improve the amount of practice performed by stroke survivors. This study aimed to measure the amount of UL practice (i.e., repetitions, duration, intensity) performed by subacute stroke survivors, in particular those with severe UL impairment, pre and post implementation of robot assisted upper limb therapy (RT-UL) into an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Two observational study phases (pre-RT-UL and post-RT-UL) were undertaken of occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions performed by subacute stroke survivors. Upper limb tasks observed and recorded in therapy were classified as either impairment-related therapy or activity-related. In the pre-RT-UL observational phase, 7 subacute stroke survivors were observed across 11 days involving 25 therapy sessions. Post-RT-UL, 12 subacute stroke survivors were observed across 12 days involving 29 therapy sessions. There were no significant differences in characteristics of patients observed in each phase (p >.05). The mean difference (95% CI) between pre and post RT-UL for repetitions (reps) (569 (1 to 1136) and intensity (7 (4–11)) reps/min of practice increased for all patients, including those with severe UL impairment (337 (37–638)) reps and 8 (2–14) reps/minute, with the duration of therapy unchanged. This is the first study to have observed an increase in UL practice with the inclusion of RT-UL as part of routine clinical practice. This increase in practice is considered to be due to RT-UL providing highly supportive and expeditious semi-supervised practice. Notably, RT-UL was able to be implemented within the existing organisational structures with only basic training of therapy staff. Robotics presents as a viable intervention to increase the amount and intensity of upper limb practice performed by stroke survivors in routine clinical practice Robotics were able to be implemented within the existing organisational structures with only basic training of therapy staff [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke patients with aphasia are often excluded from person-centred goal setting as part of their clinical care, despite a recommendation for person-centred goal setting in national clinical guidelines. To develop and field test an aphasia supplement to a person-centred goal setting package for stroke to better meet the needs of patients with aphasia. A multi-phase, qualitative study design was employed building on prior work in a non-aphasia stroke population. Initial materials, including clinician training, were developed into an aphasia goal setting supplement with input from an expert working group. In phase one, feedback was sought from consumers with aphasia (n=5) on the layout and format of the patient-facing components. In phase two, six clinicians from one Australian healthcare network (occupational therapy: n=2, physiotherapy: n=1 and speech pathology: n=3) were observed using the goal setting package with eight inpatients with aphasia (2 mild, 3 moderate, 3 severe). In phase three, post field testing feedback was sought from clinicians (n=5) and patients with aphasia (n=3). Content analysis of interview data was carried out. The consumer feedback session in phase one indicated that the supplement layout was helpful for including people with aphasia to participate actively in person-centred goal setting. Adaptations were made for the aphasia supplement including language, graphic, and format changes based on the feedback. During the field testing in phase two, 18 person-centred goals were set with eight patients with aphasia (median two goals) and included: secondary prevention (8%), functional recovery (31%), community participation (28%), everyday activities (28%), and environment (6%). Based on observations by members of the research team during field testing, clinicians across the multidisciplinary team were able to facilitate goal setting effectively. In phase three, clinicians and patients reported the supplement was useful to facilitate person-centred goal setting for people with aphasia. Conclusion: The aphasia supplement for the goal setting package was appropriate in meeting the needs of patients with aphasia after stroke and encouraged person-centred goal setting across multiple recovery areas. The aphasia supplement for the goal setting package was appropriate in meeting the needs of patients with aphasia after stroke and encouraged person-centred goal setting across multiple recovery areas.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 resulted in a rapid shift to online learning for physiotherapy education in Australia and around the world. This Sydney-based qualitative study explored the reflections of physiotherapy educators and leaders involved in delivering physiotherapy programs with the aim of gaining insight into what happened to physiotherapy education during the initial stages of the pandemic and what lessons were learnt that will inform future physiotherapy education. Many pedagogical challenges were identified including the need to rapidly shift content online whilst still meeting competency requirements, how to effectively engage students, and the challenges of teaching and assessing practical psychomotor skills. The benefits of the rapid shift were the upskilling of educators, innovations in teaching and resources, and recognising that some aspects of physiotherapy education were improved by the change. Overall educators and leaders felt time was needed to effectively design physiotherapy content to fit different delivery modes and it was important some aspects of physiotherapy education should continue to be taught in-person. Future physiotherapy education is likely to be a combination of in-person and online delivery and lessons learnt from this time need to be incorporated into physiotherapy programs to achieve the best educational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]