'Removing a Blindfold': Perspectives of Physical Therapists After Completing the PEAK-Portuguese E-Learning Course

Abstract

Purpose: Physical therapists report reduced confidence and skills in delivering evidence-based knee osteoarthritis care. The Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis (PEAK) is a free online course available in four languages that aims to train physical therapists in evidence-based practice for managing knee osteoarthritis. The Portuguese adaptation (PEAK-PT) has not been evaluated yet. This study explored the facilitators and barriers reported by physical therapists after completing the PEAK-PT e-learning course.

Materials and methods: This qualitative study with semi-structured interviews involved 20 Portuguese-speaking physical therapists. Participants were predominantly females with an average age of 34 years who had completed the PEAK-PT 3 months before the interview. Data were analysed using a content analysis method proposed by Bardin.

Results: Five themes were identified as facilitators: (1) Knowledge acquisition and transmission, (2) Interactive and visually appealing resource, (3) Language accessibility, (4) Partially self-paced and (5) Increased clinical confidence online and offline. Three themes were identified as barriers: (1) Lack of formal recognition of completion, (2) Language inaccessibility and (3) Time constraint.

Conclusion: The PEAK-PT elicited positive experiences related to content organisation and presentation, learning outcomes and clinical confidence. Physical therapists may benefit from this tool to provide evidence-based education to individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords: e‐learning; health technology; implementation in health; knee osteoarthritis; physical therapy.