Adesão à Prática Baseada em Evidências por fisioterapeutas brasileiros na condução do tratamento da osteoartrite de joelho: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a health condition characterized by its chronicity, progressiveness and slow evolution, impacting on quality of life, functionality and pain. A few studies have investigated the profile of the physical therapist who sees this patient, and there are still no studies on the adherence to evidence-based practice (EBP) by Brazilian physical therapists in the management of KOA treatment. Objective: Adherence to evidence-based practice by brazilian physical therapists in the management of KOA. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. Physical therapists were invited to answer an electronic form through a cover letter and by an infographic available on social media. Adherence was checked based on four clinical practice guidelines, those who followed at least 50% of the guidelines were considered adherent. Results: 605 physical therapists completed the survey. Only nine physiotherapists (1.5%) perform all six guideline recommendations, however, 515 (85.1%) adhere to at least half of the recommendations. Only one physiotherapist (0.2%) performs all seven interventions not recommended by the guidelines, and only 40 (6.6%) do not perform any of the interventions not recommended. Conclusion: Most Brazilian physical therapists are following at least half of the recommendations; however they are still using secondary therapies that do not have sufficient evidence to justify their practice.