Utilisation of outcome measures in the management of non-specific neck pain: A national survey of current physiotherapy practice in the UK.

Eldin Alreni, Ahmad Salah, McRobert, Cliona ORCID: 0000-0001-5763-2314 and McLean, Sionnadh Mairi (2021) Utilisation of outcome measures in the management of non-specific neck pain: A national survey of current physiotherapy practice in the UK. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 52. 102347-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102347

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Objective</h4>To determine current utilisation patterns of OMs in UK physiotherapy practice when managing NSNP.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Conclusion</h4>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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Neck Pain, Quality of Life, Physical Therapy Modalities, United Kingdom, Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health > School of Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2023 14:34
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2023 14:34
DOI:	10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102347
Open Access URL:	http://shura.shu.ac.uk/28583/
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168451