JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The recognition of serious pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially in the early stage of a disease, is an important but challenging task. The prevalence of such serious pathologies is currently low. However, in our progressing ageing population, it is anticipated that serious pathologies affecting the MSK system will be on the rise. Physiotherapists, as part of a wider health care team, can play a valuable role in the recognition of serious pathologies. It is at present unknown how accurately Austrian qualified physiotherapists can detect the presence of serious pathologies affecting the MSK system and therefore determine whether physiotherapy management is indicated (keep patient), or not (refer patient to a medical doctor). Therefore, we will explore the current ability of Austrian qualified physiotherapists to recognise serious pathologies by using validated clinical vignettes. As part of an electronic online survey, these vignettes will be distributed among a convenience sample of qualified Austrian physiotherapists working in a hospital and/or private setting. The survey will consist of four sections: a) demographics and general information, b) the clinical vignettes, c) questions concerning the clinical vignettes and d) self-perceived knowledge gaps and learning preferences from the perspective of study participants. Results will further be used for i) international comparison with similar studies from the existing literature and ii) gaining insight into the participants’ self-perceived knowledge gaps and learning preferences for increasing their knowledge level about keep-refer decision making and detecting serious pathologies.