Snapshot survey of physiotherapy practice for patients with hip osteoarthritis in the public sector

AbstractPurpose: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition affecting 2.5 million people in England. There is limited evidence on practice in the United Kingdom (UK) by physiotherapists in the public sector. A snapshot survey was conducted in a limited time period to inform standard care in a trial funding application.Methods: An online survey was circulated using Twitter. Thirteen Tweets linking to the survey were posted over 6 days to gain a snapshot view of physiotherapy practice within the public sector in the UK.Results: Sixty-two physiotherapists from 25 counties in the UK and Wales responded. The median waiting time from referral to physiotherapy treatment was 5 weeks and patients were seen a median of 3 times. The median total number of hours treated was 2 hours, and the median duration time for treatment was 8 weeks. All respondents used strengthening exercises, 73% stretches, 50% cardiovascular exercise, 73% balance exercises and 26% proprioceptive exercises. Thirty-nine perc...