PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND CLINICAL USE OF TOOLS TO PREDICT, MONITOR, EVALUATE THE TREATMENT OUTCOME AND CLASSIFY PATIENTS WITH SCIATICA IN GREECE: AN ONLINE SURVEY

Abstract

Purpose: The use of evidence-based assessment tools is important to differentiate, give prognosis and guide the therapeutic approaches in sciatica. We aimed to evaluate whether physiotherapists’ knowledge and clinical practice in Greece are aligned with up-to-date research recommendations in the assessment of sciatica. Methods: An online-survey was developed, validated and disseminated in registered physiotherapists in Greece. The survey designed to capture physiotherapists’ demographic characteristics, knowledge and use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), classification systems and neurological tests in sciatica. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: 381 physiotherapists participated in the survey. Most of the participants reported that at least one or more of the proposed PROMs (85.5%), classification system (87%) or neurological tests (95%). 75.6% of responders use one or more PROMs during the management of patients with sciatica. Pain intensity evaluation tools are the most commonly used (35.9%) followed by disability or psychosocial evaluation scales (25.9% and 22.5%, respectively). 38.8% of participants use the McKenzie classification while almost 90% use common neurological examination tests (myotomes, sensory tests, reflexes, straight-leg-raise, slump and femoral slump test). No association was found between participants’ characteristics and number of assessment tools known or used. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that physiotherapy practice in Greece is aligned to research recommendations only in terms of delivering common neurological physical examination tests. The knowledge and clinical use of evidence-based tools to assess the treatment outcome and classify patients with sciatica is limited. Further training and organizational or peer support are required to improve the management of the condition.