Keep/refer decision making abilities and screening for serious pathologies as integral components of the physiotherapy education and profession: The perspective of Austrian physicians

Abstract

Background: Over the last few years, several surveys examined the attitude of physiotherapists towards direct access, increased practice autonomy and the necessity to detect the presence of serious pathologies.
Objective: To gain insight into the attitude of Austrian physicians towards Austrian physiotherapists taking more responsibility when making clinical decisions.
Method: In autumn 2017, an online survey was distributed by e-mail among 1000 general practitioners and 395 orthopaedic surgeons working in private practice in Austria.
Results: 76 general practitioners (7.6%) and 40 orthopaedic surgeons (10%) completed the survey. 90% of responding general practitioners and 68% of participating orthopaedic surgeons believe that Austrian physiotherapists should make autonomous keep/refer decisions.
Conclusion: Study participants are overwhelmingly positive towards Austrian physiotherapists taking an advanced level of practice autonomy and make independent keep/refer decisions.