title: How knowledgeable are physician assistants and nurse practitioners about physical therapy?
abstract: Non-physician providers (NPPs) are on the front line for referring consumers for physical therapy (PT) services. Previous studies have assessed physicians' knowledge and utilization of PT. No studies have examined these same issues for physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs). The purpose of this study was to determine the current level of PAs' and NPs' knowledge of PT and the degree to which their knowledge levels differ. This assessment is important to ensure that potential PT patients are referred appropriately for these services. A proportional sample of 1000 Arizona NPPs was surveyed. NPP respondents' knowledge of PT procedures was relatively low, with a 58.7% mean score. PA respondents demonstrated greater knowledge of PT procedures than did NPs. Both disciplines should be more intensely exposed to the potential benefits of this service for patients.
authors.affiliation: Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ, USA. fharrison@atsu.edu
authors.forename: Frankie Gilliam
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: David Scott
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kisicki
mesh_terms: D001130:Arizona; D002983:Clinical Competence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D010823:Physician Assistants; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires