Physical Therapists Are Routinely Performing the Requisite Skills to Directly Refer for Musculoskeletal Imaging: An Observational Study

Mabry, Lance M.; Severin, Richard; Gisselman, Angela Spontelli; Ross, Michael D.; Davenport, Todd E.; Young, Brian A.; Keil, Aaron; Goss, Don

doi:10.1080/10669817.2022.2106729

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…[5][6][7][8] Several states have either enacted or are in the process of initiating different forms of documented legal authority to give PTs imaging ordering privileges. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] With these privileges expanding and the implementation of imaging education standards, there is a need for entry-level PT institutions and postprofessional training programs (ie, residency and fellowship education programs) to expand their level of instruction, learner preparedness, and level of competency in this area.…”

Section: Introduction and Review Of Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Reliability of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists

Burley,

Cahanin,

Brody

et al. 2024

JOPTE

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Introduction. The Burley Readiness Examination (BRE) for Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging Competency assesses physical therapists' baseline MSK imaging competency. Establishing its reliability is essential to its value in determining MSK imaging competency. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the BRE for MSK Imaging Competency among physical therapists (PTs) with varying levels of training and education. Review of Literature. Previous literature supports PTs' utility concerning diagnostic imaging; however, no studies directly measure their competency. With PTs expanding their practice scope and professional PT education programs, increasing their MSK imaging instruction, assessing competency becomes strategic in determining the future of MSK education and training. Subjects. One hundred twenty-three United States licensed PTs completed the BRE. Methods. Physical therapists completed the BRE through an online survey platform. Point biserial correlation (rpb) was calculated for each examination question. Final analyses were based on 140 examination questions. Examination scores were compared using independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs) assessed the relationship of a passing examination score (≥75%) and the type of training. Reliability of the BRE was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α). Results. Mean overall examination score was 75.89 ± 8.56%. Seventy PTs (56.9%) obtained a passing score. Physical therapists with additional MSK imaging training, board certification, and residency or fellowship training scored significantly higher (P < .001) compared with those with only entry-level PT program education. Physical therapists with additional MSK imaging training scored significantly higher (x̄ = 81.07% ± 8.93%) and were almost 5 times (OR = 4.74, 95% CI [1.95–11.50]) as likely to achieve a passing score than those without. The BRE demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.874). Discussion and Conclusions. The BRE was reliable, consistently identifying higher examination scores among those with increased MSK imaging training. Training in MSK imaging influenced competency more than other factors. The BRE may be of analytical value to PT professional and postprofessional programs.

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Section: Introduction and Review Of Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Reliability of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists

Burley,

Cahanin,

Brody

et al. 2024

JOPTE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Among non-military physical therapists who are not currently able to refer patients directly to a radiologist, 55 to 95% reported routinely performing the nine fundamental skills in their clinical practice that are necessary to utilize diagnostic imaging effectively. 31 The Ottawa Ankle Rules are a valid screening tool for foot/ankle fractures, 32,33 but have not been studied in a physical therapy direct-access setting.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diagnostic Imaging for Distal Extremity Injuries in Direct Access Physical Therapy: An Observational Study

Crowell

Mason²,

Morris

et al. 2023

International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

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Background Military physical therapists practicing direct-access routinely utilize diagnostic imaging and numerous published case reports demonstrate the ability of physical therapists to diagnose and appropriately disposition patients with foot/ankle and wrist/hand fractures. However, no larger cohort studies have explored the utilization of diagnostic imaging by physical therapists to detect fractures. Hypothesis/Purpose To describe the utilization of diagnostic imaging in foot/ankle and wrist/hand injuries by physical therapists in a direct-access sports physical therapy clinic. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods The Agfa Impax Client 6 image viewing software (IMPAX) was searched from 2014 to 2018 for patients with diagnostic imaging ordered for foot/ankle and wrist/hand injuries. The Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) electronic medical record was independently reviewed by the principal and co-investigator physical therapists. Data extracted were demographics and elements from the patient history and physical examination. Results In foot/ankle injuries, physical therapists diagnosed a fracture in 16% of the 177 cases and waited for an average of 3.9 days and 1.3 visits before ordering imaging. In wrist/hand injuries, physical therapists diagnosed a fracture in 24% of the 178 cases and waited for an average of 3.7 days and 1.2 visits before ordering imaging. The time to definitive care from the initial physical therapy evaluation was significantly different (p = 0.04) for foot/ankle fractures (0.6 days) compared to wrist/hand fractures (5.0 days). The Ottawa Ankle Rules demonstrated a negative likelihood ratio (-LR) of 0.11 (0.02, 0.72) and a positive likelihood ratio (+LR) of 1.99 (1.62, 2.44) for the diagnosis of foot/ankle fracture. Conclusions Physical therapists utilizing diagnostic imaging in a direct-access sports physical therapy clinic diagnosed fractures in similar proportions for foot/ankle and wrist/hand injuries and quickly dispositioned patients to definitive care for those fractures. The diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa Ankle Rules was similar to previously reported values. Level of Evidence Level 3.

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Physical therapist awareness of diagnostic imaging referral jurisdictional scope of practice: an observational study

Mabry,

Keil,

Young

et al. 2023

Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy

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Physical Therapists Are Routinely Performing the Requisite Skills to Directly Refer for Musculoskeletal Imaging: An Observational Study

Cited by 7 publications

References 54 publications

Reliability of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists

Reliability of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists

Diagnostic Imaging for Distal Extremity Injuries in Direct Access Physical Therapy: An Observational Study

Physical therapist awareness of diagnostic imaging referral jurisdictional scope of practice: an observational study

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