Perceptions of Physical Therapists on Fall Management in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Research Objectives: - To indicate physical therapists (PTs) perceptions regarding falls in patients with knee OA.
- To employ a structural equation model (SEM) in order to investigate the variables linked to fall screening in patients with knee OA.
- To identify perceived challenges that could potentially restrict the adoption of fall care within this population.

Design: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect the data during the period from February to April 2022. Data were analyzed using chi-square, and AMOS 23 was used to conduct the SEM analysis.

Setting: Current PTs' practice around fall prevention in OA care.

Participants: This study focused on licensed PTs who work in both academic and/or non-academic settings and provide treatment to patients with knee OA. Therapists who had not provided treatment to any patients with knee OA over the past three weeks were excluded from the study. The researchers employed the convenience sample method to recruit the participants.

Interventions: Not applicable

Main Outcome Measures: PTs' perceptions regarding fall prevention in OA rehabilitation using age, years of experience, subspecialty, working environment, and educational qualifications as potential explanatory variables.

Results: 119 females (57.8%) and 87 males (42.2%) participated in the study. 17.5% of the sample were quite confident in managing patients with knee OA. The SEM analysis revealed a positive correlation (p < 0.0001) between the intention to employ fall screening and management measures and a history of falls, recognizing risk factors, and documenting fall risk factors. The most commonly stated barriers to adopting fall management with OA care were lack of knowledge, lack of training/skills, and time restrictions, and patient compliance.

Conclusions: Fall prevention was not one of the primary therapy approaches that PTs preferred to use with knee OA patients. However, most PTs agreed that exercise, education, and pain control were the most effective treatment options, consistent with the available clinical guidelines for OA care. In the generally used worldwide guidelines for OA, fall prevention is not included which might be a cause that influences PTs' decision-making in this study. However, this study highlighted that fall screening and management are strongly advised to be included in OA recommendations for the ultimate practice calling for an update in the guidelines to ensure compliance with current research in the literature.

Author(s) Disclosures: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.