Evaluation of physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and professional use of dietary supplements: implications for practice and education.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to better define physical therapists' (PTs) knowledge, attitudes, and professional reported use of dietary supplements (DSs).


METHODS
This study was approved by University of Colorado Investigational Review Board. A survey was developed and piloted to evaluate knowledge of supplement indications and serious side effects; comfort in performing medication and supplement histories and making therapeutic recommendations; and current practice and attitudes of supplement use and resource information. Therapists were identified through the Colorado Board of Physical Therapy. Five hundred surveys were mailed. Analysis of the survey items consisted of descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis of free text for themes and concepts.


RESULTS
One-hundred eighty-four surveys were returned (38% response rate). Eighty-two percent were female. Forty-nine percent had a baccalaureate degree, 38 % master's degree, and 1.6 % Doctor of Physical Therapy. Over 50% practiced in an ambulatory setting. While 46% believed they were adequately educated on DS, only 50% of respondents could identify the correct indication for the designated supplement, while less than 6% one correct serious side effect, once efedra was excluded. For supplement information, more than 90% turned to non-peered review materials. Forty percent of therapist indicated that they were currently recommending DSs to their patients. Glucosamine, glucosamine with chondroitin, and methyl-sulfonylmethane comprised the top supplements suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
PTs are recommending DS within their practice. While many therapists noted they were adequately educated, gaps in knowledge base were apparent. As physical therapy curricula continue to evolve, the addition of DS instruction should be considered a priority, as well as, steps put in place to provide additional education for practicing therapists.
Page
Robert Lee
RL
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences, 4200 East Ninth Ave, Box C238, Denver, CO 80231, USA. robert.page@uchsc.edu
Smith
Marcia B
MB
Scherer
Susan A
SA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003120:Colorado; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires