Observational studyBMC medical education2025
Assessment of differential diagnostic skills of physiotherapists related to the cervical spine - approaches to improving effectiveness: observational, cross-sectional study.
Observational study in BMC medical education, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundCervical disorders are a significant cause of disability worldwide, often presenting with pain and symptoms affecting the musculoskeletal system and other organs. It is essential for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and comprehend the underlying causes of these potentially life-threatening conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic knowledge and clinical decision-making abilities of physiotherapists in Hungary regarding serious health conditions in patients with cervical disorders and the factors influencing these decisions.
methodsData were collected through an electronic questionnaire containing demographic information, educational background, and professional experience. The second section includes excerpts from eight case reports on diagnosing cervical complaints from international literature. A cohort of 128 physiotherapists (114 female and 14 male; mean age: 34.65 ± 8.88 years; 101 BSc degrees and 27 MSc/PhD degrees, average of 9.73 ± 7.82 years of professional practice) who completed their higher education in Hungary were recruited for participation. Statistical analyses were performed using R software version 4.0.2. The primary outcome was correct decision-making, measuring its association with years of practice, clinical experience, educational level (BSc, MSc/PhD), and postgraduate training in cervical spine management.
results61.7% of therapists identified the appropriate treatment for musculoskeletal cases, while only 22.7% recognized critical signs and symptoms. Participants with postgraduate training in neck conditions (odds ratio 1.25-7.99, p = 0.014) and those treating orthopedic (odds ratio 0.18-0.99, p = 0.047) and trauma cases (odds ratio 0.11-0.65, p = 0.004) were significantly more effective at recognizing critical cases.
conclusionOur findings emphasize the need for ongoing education and training to recognize cervical spine red flags. These results align with global literature and highlight the importance of improving diagnostic knowledge in undergraduate programs. These results underscore the significance of extensive professional experience and advanced education within the discipline. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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