Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pain neuroscience education among physiotherapists: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

CONTEXT: A significant population in India suffers from chronic pain, and it is one of the most common symptoms managed by physiotherapists. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) has been found to be effective in pain management when included in a multimodal treatment. A number of misconceptions about this concept are prevailing. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of PNE among physiotherapists in India through a questionnaire-based survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among qualified practicing physiotherapists and physiotherapy academicians in India. Data were collected using an online self-reported questionnaire constructed on Google Forms Application. The link of the questionnaire was circulated among the physiotherapists via various social media platforms. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Percentage analysis of the responses was done using Microsoft Excel 2010. RESULTS: A total of 408 responses were subjected to statistical analysis. Only 50% of the respondents were aware of the term PNE. Most of the questions in the knowledge domain received correct responses from more than 50% of the respondents. Most of the respondents have a negative attitude toward PNE. There is poor practice of PNE among physiotherapists in India. CONCLUSION: There is lack of awareness about PNE among physiotherapists in India. Physiotherapists having good knowledge about PNE do not have a positive attitude toward it and show poor practice.

Keywords

• attitude
• knowledge
• pain neuroscience education
• physiotherapists
• practice
• survey