This study aimed to investigate the willingness and confidence of musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists in Ireland to utilise DHT in their practice and to identify the role that DHT will play in future practice. This date has the potential to inform the need for and content of training in DHT in pre and post-registration physiotherapy curricula.
This was a cross-sectional study utilising an online, anonymous survey based on the WHO classification of digital health competencies (Merolli et al 22). The sample population were physiotherapists working in Ireland, with a primary practice focus in MSK. Data collection took place in late 2021. The survey link was distributed to the MSK Clinical Interest group of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, and through social media channels. Questions covered participant demographics, clinicians’ confidence with technology, and their willingness to engage in digital health technology across 4 categories (5-point Likert scale) along with perceived barriers and facilitators for future adoption (open-ended questions).
The survey had 91 respondents. Most were between 30-49 years old (71%, 39/55), with 6+ years of clinical experience (95%, 52/55) working in private practice (44%, 24/55) or orthopaedic outpatient settings(40%, 22/55). Of those who reported the competencies applicable to their practice, respondents were most willing to use digital health technology to carry out tasks related to accessing diagnostic imaging results (96%) and least willing to track patients’ medication consumption (12.73%). Thirty eight percent of participants (38%) were very or completely confident in using digital technology in clinical practice. A further 35% reported the same level of confidence in identifying appropriate digital technology. Only 22% of clinicians were completely confident evaluating the quality of digital technology. There were no significant associations between age, gender or level of education and confidence in using digital technology. Previous experience using technology was reported as the strongest influence on digital health confidence, while information technology support in the workplace was the least influential factor.
The responses indicate that MSK physiotherapists in Ireland are keen to adopt digital health technology to complement their clinical practice, but lack confidence in its use across a range of applications.
We suggest that specific training is required to increase both awareness and confidence in the use of DHT both for pre- and post-registration MSK physiotherapists.
musculoskeletal
confidence
