Impact of a Two-day Training Course on Knowledge and Confidence of German Physiotherapists in the Management of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background

Clinical practice guidelines recommend a combination of exercise therapy and education for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Initiated in 2013, the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) programme ensures standardised and evidence-based treatment. In a two-day training course, therapists are trained to provide the structured education and exercise program.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of the two-day training course on physiotherapists' subjectively perceived knowledge and confidence in treating hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Physiotherapists completed online surveys immediately before and two weeks after the GLA:D training course. They were asked to rate their confidence in providing guideline-adherent therapy for osteoarthritis, their beliefs about the evidence supporting different treatment options, and awareness of clinical practice guidelines. The effectiveness of the training course was evaluated using a pre- and post-training comparison.

Results

Of a total of 290 physiotherapists invited, 254 responded to the first survey (response rate: 87.6 %), including 114 women (44.9 %). The mean age of the respondents was 35 years (± 10.7). A total of 83 therapists (32.7 %) had obtained a higher academic degree. The follow-up questionnaire was completed by 85 respondents (response rate: 29.3 %). The two-day training course resulted in improvements in both subjectively perceived knowledge and confidence in providing guideline-adherent therapy. Over 98 % of respondents felt well-trained and able to provide exercise therapy and education according to guideline recommendations.

Conclusions

Participation in the two-day GLA:D training course led to positive changes in physiotherapists’ subjectively perceived knowledge and confidence in the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. These findings underscore the need for targeted education to ensure the comprehensive implementation of evidence and guideline recommendations in clinical practice.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00 032 853)

Keywords

physiotherapy - osteoarthritis - training program - guideline adherence

Publication History

Received: 17 September 2024

Accepted: 12 April 2025

Article published online:
27 June 2025

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