title: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): physiotherapists' use, knowledge and attitudes.
abstract: This paper reports on a survey regarding physiotherapists' knowledge, use and attitudes to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some of which have recently been re-scheduled to non-prescription dispensing. A written survey instrument was developed and administered to 750 physiotherapists in South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (50% of the registered physiotherapists). Responses were received from 285 physiotherapists. The survey identified opportunities for patient misuse and misadventures with NSAIDs in conjunction with physiotherapy management. Differences in physiotherapist understanding of the dosage and actions of oral and topic administrations of NSAIDs were highlighted, as were the moral and ethical responsibilities of physiotherapists to patients considering taking NSAIDs. The study identified the need for regular professional updates on quality use of NSAIDs.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Allied Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia. karen.grimmer@unisa.edu.au
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grimmer
authors.forename: Saravana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milanese
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000379:methods*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal