Survey of Confidence and Knowledge in Managing Patellofemoral Pain among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the beliefs and knowledge of physical therapists in Saudi Arabia regarding the management of patellofemoral pain (PFP) and their alignment with current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 111 licensed physical therapists actively treating PFP patients. The survey included questions about PFP risk factors, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment, using a Likert scale to measure confidence and knowledge.

RESULTS

Readers have significantly greater confidence in the knowledge of managing patients with PFP following current CPGs ( < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between groups in the other items ( > 0.01). However, over 70% of respondents, irrespective of guideline familiarity, held beliefs about risk factors, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment that were inconsistent with CPGs.

CONCLUSIONS

These discrepancies highlight a significant knowledge gap that may affect patient care quality. Enhancing education and dissemination efforts regarding CPGs is essential to improve adherence to evidence-based practices among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. To change practitioners' preferences, attitudes, and beliefs, more targeted programs and interventions for knowledge dissemination and implementation should be provided.