Abstract
Aim:
This study evaluated the training levels, confidence, and barriers faced by physiotherapists and occupational therapists in implementing evidence-based interventions for stroke upper limb and shoulder rehabilitation.
Design:
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 among postgraduate neurological physiotherapy and occupational therapy students at Flinders University.
Method:
Twenty-one health professionals (15 physiotherapists, 6 occupational therapists) completed a structured survey assessing prior training, confidence, perceived importance, and barriers in using 29 best-practice stroke rehabilitation interventions.
Data were analysed to determine trends in training exposure, self-efficacy, and professional dissemination.
Results:
• 41% (12/29) of interventions had only slight confidence levels for use in practice.
• Major barriers included limited time, access to equipment, and lack of supervision.
• Therapists highly valued interventions but lacked structured training opportunities.
• Despite confidence in their own skills, many therapists did not engage in peer training or dissemination.
• Most training occurred in-house, with no therapists involved in national-level training programs.
Conclusion:
Gaps in training and professional development significantly impact the implementation of evidence-based stroke rehabilitation interventions. To improve confidence and utilization, digital and print protocols, increased supervision, and structured peer training programs are recommended. Addressing these barriers could enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve workforce capability in stroke care.
Key practice points:
1. Structured training and mentorship programs are needed to increase therapist confidence in stroke rehabilitation interventions.
2. Time constraints and access to supervision remain key barriers to implementation.
3. Digital and print-based protocols may facilitate better dissemination of best-practice interventions.
This study evaluated the training levels, confidence, and barriers faced by physiotherapists and occupational therapists in implementing evidence-based interventions for stroke upper limb and shoulder rehabilitation.
Design:
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 among postgraduate neurological physiotherapy and occupational therapy students at Flinders University.
Method:
Twenty-one health professionals (15 physiotherapists, 6 occupational therapists) completed a structured survey assessing prior training, confidence, perceived importance, and barriers in using 29 best-practice stroke rehabilitation interventions.
Data were analysed to determine trends in training exposure, self-efficacy, and professional dissemination.
Results:
• 41% (12/29) of interventions had only slight confidence levels for use in practice.
• Major barriers included limited time, access to equipment, and lack of supervision.
• Therapists highly valued interventions but lacked structured training opportunities.
• Despite confidence in their own skills, many therapists did not engage in peer training or dissemination.
• Most training occurred in-house, with no therapists involved in national-level training programs.
Conclusion:
Gaps in training and professional development significantly impact the implementation of evidence-based stroke rehabilitation interventions. To improve confidence and utilization, digital and print protocols, increased supervision, and structured peer training programs are recommended. Addressing these barriers could enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve workforce capability in stroke care.
Key practice points:
1. Structured training and mentorship programs are needed to increase therapist confidence in stroke rehabilitation interventions.
2. Time constraints and access to supervision remain key barriers to implementation.
3. Digital and print-based protocols may facilitate better dissemination of best-practice interventions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 642-643 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Oct 2025 |
| Event | Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference: Lead the Physiotherapy Evolution - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 23 Oct 2025 → 25 Oct 2025 Conference number: 25 https://physiotherapy.eventsair.com/apasc25/ |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | APASC |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 23/10/25 → 25/10/25 |
| Internet address |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
-
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 4 Quality Education
Keywords
- health professionals
- medical education
- stroke rehabilitation
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
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