Randomized controlled trial of an E-learning program for physiotherapy students to improve the management of rotator cuff related shoulder pain: a study protocol

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The majority of shoulder complaints are occurred due to rotator cuff pathologies. Although conservative treatments including physiotherapy are acknowledged as the first-line treatment approach in the management of shoulder pain, the uptake of physiotherapy practice is variable. One possible explanation of this could be the poor evidence-based knowledge mobilization to practice. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an E-learning program on physiotherapy students' knowledge of evidence-based Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) management and their confidence in applying this care compared to a control group.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A randomized controlled study will be carried with 146 fourth-year physiotherapy students. Students will be assigned to one of two groups: E-learning (N=73) or control (N=73). The outcomes will be: (1) RCRSP knowledge and clinical reasoning skills, and (2) self-reported confidence in RCRSP knowledge and clinical reasoning abilities. Both measurements will be held at baseline and post-intervention. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This is the first trial to investigate if a specifically designed E-learning program besides a regular learning curriculum, improves students’ knowledge and self-confidence in the RCRSP management. Enhancing students’ after-graduation readiness to manage patients with RCRSP may help to allow patients access to evidence-informed physiotherapists.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This trial was registered on clinicalTrials.gov on 17 June 2021 (NCT04952623)<strong></strong></p>