ARE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS READY TO PROVIDE PRIMARY CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH TYPE II DIABETES?

Chiu Y.-P.¹, Stacy L.¹, Ison T.¹, Emrick M.¹, Kroll P.¹

¹Marshall University, School of Physical Therapy, Huntington, United States

Background: Type II diabetes is a medically complicated condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus is higher in rural areas, where education and health care are often limited. Successful treatment of patients with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy requires that health care practitioners understand the disease process, diagnostic methods, and the evidence for effective intervention. As more states in the United States allow physical therapists to practice via direct access, there will be an increase in the number of patients seen in a “primary-care” practitioner manner. Therefore, to meet the increasing need of primary medical care and to provide the optimal healthcare, it is crucial to know if physical therapists have prepared for the diagnosis, screening and management of type II diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the degree to which practicing physical therapists in West Virginia, United States were cognizant of the up-to-date knowledge in diagnosis, screening, and management of type II diabetes.

Methods: Participants consisted of physical therapists practicing in north central Appalachia that attended the 2016 West Virginia Physical Therapy Association (WVPTA) Annual Spring Conference as well as those practicing in area clinics. In total, 70 questionnaires were distributed and 50 returned. The final questionnaire had 15 questions, containing 5 questions in each of the three categories: diagnosis, screening and management. In addition, the questionnaire also inquired the information of practice setting, geographical location of practice and years of practice. Based on years of practice, the participants were grouped in the following three groups: G1 (0-5 years), G2 (6-20 years), and G3 (>20 years). The results were analyzed according to groups of practice years and their descriptive statistics was reported, including mean, standard deviation or percentage. A passing score for all categories of the questionnaire was predetermined as 70% and above.

Results: A response rate of 71.43% (n= 50/70) was achieved for this study. Four subjects elected not to complete the demographic information, and were not included in data analysis. 84.8% of the participants worked with the geriatric population and 71.7% practiced in a rural area. Among the forty-six of valid respondents, 21.7% were in the group of novice professional (G1), 45.7% were in the group of experienced professional (G2) and 32.6% were in the group of expert professional (G3). For the average of total score, G1 scored the highest and G 3 scored the lowest among three groups. As to the average score for individual categories of the questionnaire, G1 scored the highest on screening and management.

Conclusion(s): G1 had a passing score in all three categories, but G3 had a passing score only in the category of screening. We speculate G1 that just graduated from a DPT program because of DPT curriculum requirements may be more familiar with current clinical guidelines of diabetes care than G3.

Implications: To ensure people with diabetes will receive optimal care, therapists that have practiced for more than 5 years are recommended to attend evidence-based continuing education courses of diabetes care.

Funding acknowledgements: Not applicable.

Topic: Neurology

Ethics approval: Marshall University Institutional Review Board, Huntington, West Virginia, United States

All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.