PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DEMENTIA
Presenter: Maggs PK
The module addresses:
Question: Dementia and physiotherapists-What knowledge gaps exist?
Conclusion: Whilst some basic understanding about dementia exists
in physiotherapy staff, the survey results highlight that there are some
key areas of the disease that are poorly understood. In particular,
physiotherapists showed limited knowledge of the disease trajectory,
swallowing difficulties, movement implications and assessment of pain.
Key Practice Points:
• There are key knowledge gaps within physiotherapy regarding dementia.
• Physiotherapists’ lack of knowledge regarding dementia may have
implications for clinical decision making and may be associated with
adverse outcomes and costly futile interventions.
• Further research is required to develop specific education to increase
physiotherapists’ knowledge to ensure best practice care.
CPD Points: 0.25