How Do Physical Therapists in the United Kingdom Manage Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis? Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common, painful and disabling. Physical therapists have an important role in managing patients with hip OA, however little is known about their current management approach and whether it aligns with clinical guideline recommendations. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe UK physical therapists' current management of patients with hip OA and to determine whether it aligns with clinical guidelines. Design: The design is a cross-section questionnaire. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 3126 physical therapists in the UK that explored physical therapists' self-reported management of a patient with hip OA using a case vignette and clinical management questions. Results: The response rate was 52.7% (n = 1646). In total 1148 (69.7%) physical therapists had treated a patient with hip OA in the last 6 months and were included in the analyses. A treatment package was commonly provided incorporating advice, exercise (strength training 95.9%; general physical activity 85.4%) and other nonpharmacological modalities, predominantly manual therapy (69.6%), and gait retraining (66.4%). There were some differences in reported management between physical therapists based in the National Health Service (NHS) and non-NHS-based physical therapists, including fewer treatment sessions being provided by NHS-based therapists. Limitations: Potential for non-responder bias, and in clinical practice physical therapists may manage patients with hip OA differently. Conclusion: UK-based physical therapists commonly provide a package of care for patients with hip OA that is broadly in line with current clinical guidelines, including advice, exercise, and other nonpharmacological treatments. There were some differences in clinical practice between NHS and non-NHS based physical therapists, but whether these differences impact on clinical outcomes remains unknown.