Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Chronic Pain - Orthopedic Certified Specialists' Knowledge and Attitudes

Authors

Nicole M. Laporte, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Nicole M. Laporte. 1998. Chronic Pain - Orthopedic Certified Specialists' Knowledge and Attitudes. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (128)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/128.

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of orthopedic certified specialists towards chronic pain. It compared these results to those of orthopedic section members in a previous study. It was hypothesized that the specialists would yield higher scores due to their amount orthopedic experience.

Method: Four hundred orthopedic certified specialists were randomly tested by mail using the Chronic Pain Knowledge/Attitude Test.

Results: Frequencies, means, and correlations of the 230 (57.5%) participants showed that: Eleven percent met criterion scores for attitude and 62.6% met criterion for the knowledge portion. Entry level education was felt to be inadequate by 81%, and 86% were satisfied with their current knowledge. Thirty five percent met the criterion for ability to address psychosocial issues, while 75% felt that physical therapy is beneficial for these patients, and 67% preferred to treat acute pain patients. Multidisciplinary care was thought to be needed by 194 specialists. Positive correlations were found between attitudes and years experience, and experience with chronic pain patients.

Discussion: Scores on the test were higher than the section members, but still not high enough. More attention is needed in the education and skills of physical therapists for treating chronic pain.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy