Exploring the clinical use of ultrasound imaging: A survey of physiotherapists in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Rachael. A very bright star, taken too soon. The world and physiotherapy profession are less bright without you. Rest easy. Keywords: Physiotherapists Ultrasound imaging Survey A B S T R A C TBackground: 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. Objectives: 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. Design: Cross-sectional observational design utilising an Internet-based electronic survey. Method: An electronic survey built on the design of previous research with guidance from an expert review panel. 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. Conclusions: 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.

Validity and Reliability of Methods for Sonography Education in Physiotherapy: Onsite vs. Online

“…Therefore, it would be necessary to improve the agreement at the measurement points considering the differences in the ICCs (Table 3). Finally, this study advances the training possibilities and access to knowledge for physiotherapists, supporting the results obtained in previous studies; nevertheless, the access to ultrasound education for physiotherapists has been shown to be difficult [20][21][22][23]34]. Highlighting the need to facilitate the access to physiotherapists.…”

Diagnostic thoracic ultrasound imaging – An exploration of respiratory physiotherapists' interest and use in clinical practice: A national survey

“…Siddle et al [16] report a lack of mentors for podiatrists when learning ultrasound which is echoed by not only Innes et al [7] and Potter et al [17] within the musculoskeletal physiotherapy profession but also Galarza et al [18] within intensive care medicine across Europe and Peh et al [19] within internal medicine in Singapore. Ellis et al [20] surveyed 433 physiotherapists in New Zealand with respondents highlighting that a lack of training opportunities, machines and time as being particular barriers to delivering high quality ultrasound. Again, this was found by Innes et al [7] within UK physiotherapists and Peh et al [19] in internal medicine in Singapore.…”

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“…Although many physical therapists are appropriately trained in point-of-care diagnostic US, this application may be the most controversial given the potential overlap with other healthcare practitioners. A recent New Zealand survey highlighted that many physical therapists report confusion regarding their scope for diagnostic US applications 41…”

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