None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to determine the feasibility of implementing strategies (PTX Implementation Strategy Tollkit) designed to encourage physiotherapists to use recommended sets of exercises (via freely available online software: physiotherapyexercises.com - PTX) and to provide patients with copies of their exercises. This study is a pilot study for a larger, nationwide trial that will test the effectiveness of the PTX Implementation Strategy Toolkit to promote the use of PTX to promote physiotherapists to (i) use recommended sets of exercises available through the PTX software, and (ii) provide patients with copies of their exercises.
Interventions
We will test the feasibility of conducting an Implementation Hybrid type III stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial designed to determine the effectiveness of using the Physiotherapy Exercises (PTX) Implementation Strategy Toolkit to change behaviour and practice. The PTX Implementation strategy toolkit will be made up of theory informed implementatiion strategies determined by previously conducted interviews and surveys of physiotherapists and consumers. These strategies are informe
We will test the feasibility of conducting an Implementation Hybrid type III stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial designed to determine the effectiveness of using the Physiotherapy Exercises (PTX) Implementation Strategy Toolkit to change behaviour and practice. The PTX Implementation strategy toolkit will be made up of theory informed implementatiion strategies determined by previously conducted interviews and surveys of physiotherapists and consumers. These strategies are informed by the barriers and facilitators determined in the interviews (using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Strategies and ERIC). Strategies identified through this process include: audit-feedback loops; clinical champion; education; reminder systems. The unit of randomisation will be clinical services. We will recruit 3 clinical services in which patients routinely receive physiotherapy that commonly includes therapeutic exercises. Each clinical service will ultimately be exposed to appropriate elements of the PTX Implementation Strategy Toolkit adopted to their local context. Study staff will collaborate with participants at each clinical service to implement the strategies. Specifically, study staff will assist with the audit feedback loops with the aim of the clinical champion/other nominated staff member performing these; a clinical champion will be nominated by the clinical service who will be trained by study staff; education will be provided by study staff about the study / implementation strategies and the exercising prescribing software; reminder systems will be developed in collaboration with participants so they meet the needs of each individual clinical site. The implementation strategies will be incorporated into practice within the clinical sites over the exposure period. Due to the stepped-wedge nature of the design clinical sites will be exposed to the implementation strategies for a minimum of one month up to a maximum of three months. The duration of exposure will be determined through randomisation. Site audits will be used to monitor the adherence to the implementation strategies at each clinical site.
Sponsors
Northern Sydney Local Health District
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Physiotherapist-participants: The physiotherapists of the selected 3 clinical services will be eligible to participate if they: • provide in- or out-patients physiotherapy services to adults of the clinical site • provide physiotherapy to patients who are conscious and able to co-operate • provide physiotherapy services that often include therapeutic exercise or advice about therapeutic exercise for a specific health condition (as distinct from exercise for fitness or general wellbeing) • have been working in a clinical area for at least 2 months and are likely to remain there for the next 4 months • voluntarily sign an informed consent form prior to the commencement of the study • are willing and able to adhere to the study protocol requirements Patient-participants: The patients of the selected 3 clinical services will be eligible to participate if they: • are able to read and understand the Participant Information Sheet • are over 18 years of age • are conscious and able to co-operate
Exclusion criteria
Physiotherapist-participants: The physiotherapists of the selected 3 clinical services will be excluded if they: • are a student • are a relief physiotherapist who works across many different clinical services • are participants in another study which involves behavioural change or involves therapeutic exercise for patients Patient-participants: The patients of the selected 3 clinical services will be excluded if they: • opt-out of participation • have a cognitive impairment that prevents them from understanding the Participant Information Sheet and making an informed decision about participating • do not speak sufficient English to read and understand the Participant Information Sheet and there is no interpreter available to read it to them
Outcome results
None listed