ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF MILITARY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF MILITARY PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of military physiotherapists utilising the ‘Health care providers beliefs attitudes and impairments scale’ devised by Rainville et al (1994). The scale is a valid and reliable tool which indicates the likelihood of advice given to patients with a low back pain is either pro active or fear avoidant. The scale has been utilised amongst health care professionals and has shown a high degree of correlation with patient vignettes. A high score on the HC- PAIRS, is indicative of that advice given to patients is generally fear avoidant and cautious. Conversely, a low score supports current research and indicates that pro-active advice is more likely to be given to the patient.

The HC PAIRS questionnaire was distributed to all 90 military physiotherapists currently serving in a clinical role. The questionnaire was accompanied by a letter explaining that the nature of the study and requesting the questionnaire be completed and that the biographical information of gender, rank, age range, years military service, years physiotherapy experience, qualification to practice as a physiotherapist and highest academic qualification obtained be recorded.

A total of 83 returns were received. Statistical analysis was undertaken using the SPSS (version 14) statistical package. Results indicated a mean score of 50.86(SD 10.189). Military service equated to a mean of 8.86 years (SD 9.153), whilst physiotherapy experience gave a mean of 8.87 years (SD 6.327). Further statistical analysis was undertaken to establish whether there was a correlation between any of the biographical data collected and of the HC-PAIRS score. No correlation of statistical significance was identified in any of the categories.

The results obtained from the military physiotherapists are very similar to those obtained in similar studies utilising civilian physiotherapists, moderately fear avoidant. Attitudes and beliefs would appear to be developed very early in the physiotherapist’s career, exposure to both clinical experience and military culture would appear to have minimal impact on these beliefs. This has important implications when changes to traditional management strategies are being considered and implemented.

Correspondence should be addressed to Major M Butler RAMC, Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon.