The use of imaging ultrsaound by physiotherapists: assessing and meeting their educational needs

From the literature it is evident that imaging ultrasound has expanded outside the traditional radiology setting. One profession that has found imaging ultrasound useful is physiotherapy where it is used as a biofeedback tool to assess muscle activation. This study was conducted to investigate and provide Physiotherapists with training in imaging ultrasound specific to their professional needs. Focus groups were conducted with Physiotherapists to explore their training and use of imaging ultrasound, how important they perceived imaging ultrasound in practice and if they were happy with their imaging outcomes. Also explored were the gaps they perceived in their knowledge and how they felt this information might best be provided. With the insight gained from the focus groups, a questionnaire was developed and completed by Physiotherapists throughout Australia. The questionnaire assessed the baseline knowledge and training received by Physiotherapists and their needs and interest for training in the modality. The questions also explored which methods of training interested Physiotherapists perceived might best suit their training needs and what the training curriculum might include. A training package was then developed based on the focus group and questionnaire outcomes and used to compare two delivery formats; face to face workshop and self directed training using a DVD; the same content was covered in both formats. Both training formats resulted in a statistically significant increase in participant knowledge and participants reported increased confidence in the use of imaging ultrasound in clinical physiotherapy practice. As such, it was considered that successful training for Physiotherapists in imaging ultrasound had been conducted.