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. 2016;68(3):230-241.
doi: 10.3138/ptc.2015-25.

Knowledge and Use of, and Attitudes toward, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Practice: A Survey of Ontario Physiotherapists

Maggie Green  1 , Kathleen E Norman  2
Affiliations

Knowledge and Use of, and Attitudes toward, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Practice: A Survey of Ontario Physiotherapists

Maggie Green et al. Physiother Can. 2016.

Abstract
in English, French

Purpose: To investigate Ontario physiotherapists' knowledge and use of, and attitudes toward, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to identify whether there is a need for physiotherapists to receive education specific to NSAIDs. Method: An existing survey instrument was modified and tested by five Ontario physiotherapists. The final version was distributed electronically to approximately 4,400 Ontario Physiotherapy Association members as a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: A total of 294 physiotherapists responded to the survey (response rate=6.7%). Respondents demonstrated variability in their knowledge of NSAID contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. Most respondents (62.6%) were incorrect or unsure about where and how to obtain most NSAIDs, and most demonstrated incorrect or uncertain knowledge of the relevant legislation. Despite this lack of knowledge, 50% of respondents recommend NSAIDs to their patients. Conclusions: Many Ontario physiotherapists who participated in this survey recommend NSAIDs to their patients despite having a variable understanding of the legislation and medication-related factors. A lack of thorough knowledge of risks and contraindications has implications for patient safety. Physiotherapists who incorporate medications into their practice should access comprehensive information on appropriate NSAID use and should inform themselves about legislative restrictions to ensure that associated treatment is provided in a manner that is evidence based, safe, and in keeping with regulatory boundaries.

Objectif : enquêter sur les connaissances et l'usage de médicaments anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens par les physiothérapeutes de l'Ontario, ainsi que leurs opinions à l'égard de ceux-ci, afin de déterminer si les physiothérapeutes devraient recevoir une formation spécifique sur les anti-inflammatoires. Méthodes : un instrument de sondage existant a été modifié et mis à l'essai par cinq physiothérapeutes ontariens. La version finale a été distribuée électroniquement à environ 4 400 membres de la Ontario Physiotherapy Association. Résultats : 294 physiothérapeutes ont répondu au sondage (taux de réponse=6,7%). Un niveau de connaissance variable a été observé chez les répondants quant aux contre-indications, aux effets secondaires et aux interactions médicamenteuses des anti-inflammatoires. La majorité des répondants (62,6%) avaient une connaissance erronée ou incertaine du mode d'obtention de la plupart des anti-inflammatoires, et la plupart avaient une connaissance erronée ou incertaine des lois régissant leur usage. Malgré ce manque de connaissance, 50% des répondants recommandent des anti-inflammatoires à leurs patients. Conclusions : les physiothérapeutes ontariens qui ont participé au sondage sont nombreux à recommander des anti-inflammatoires à leurs patients malgré un niveau de connaissance variable des lois applicables et de certains facteurs liés aux médicaments. Un manque de connaissance des risques et des contre-indications a des répercussions sur la sécurité des patients. Les physiothérapeutes qui intègrent la médicamentation dans leur pratique devraient se renseigner en profondeur sur l'usage des anti-inflammatoires et les restrictions législatives afin de s'assurer que le traitement associé est dispensé en toute sécurité et conformément aux données probantes et aux lois.

Keywords: legislation; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; patient safety; survey.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Information included in NSAID discussions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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