Status: Article accepted
Authors: Issakainen M, Mustonen H, Kuisma R
DOI: 10.14426/opj/a20220609
Date submitted: 06/10/2021
Date accepted: 09/06/2022
Background: Physical activity is important for health and well-being for all ages. The recommendation for children and adolescents is at least 60 minutes moderate- to vigorous- intensity physical activity daily and two thirds of Finnish children achieve these recommendations. Schools have an important role in children’s physical activity and physiotherapists as experts in motor development, movement and mobility could contribute largely in this respect to children's health and wellbeing in school healthcare system. This article describes, how school physiotherapy was developed and organized in North Karelia in cooperation with Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Karelia), schools in the Joensuu region and the Siun sote- Joint municipal authority for North Karelia social and health services. Aim: The aim of the pilot project was to promote the health, well-being, and functional capacity of children and adolescent. The purpose of the school physiotherapy pilot was to build a school physiotherapy model for schools in the North Karelia region. Discussion: School physiotherapy pilot was perceived necessary for improving pupils participation on health promoting physical activity. Because of the positive experiences of the pilot project, it is recommended that physiotherapy should be included in the school health services to promote the health and well-being of school aged children and adolescents.
Read: Physiotherapy students promoting health and well-being of school-aged children and adolescents in North Karelia, Finland
Status: Article accepted
Authors: Forbes R, Toloui-Wallace J
DOI: 10.14426/opj/a20220202
Date submitted: 25/02/2021
Date accepted: 02/02/2022
Background: Diagnostic uncertainty in musculoskeletal pain presents as a frequent and challenging dilemma encountered by physiotherapists. Current literature indicates that diagnostic uncertainty impacts the clinical decision making of experienced and new graduate physiotherapists, highlighting a need for training and support in this space. Aim: This paper outlines considerations for diagnostic uncertainty in the management of musculoskeletal pain. It outlines five key strategies to help student and novice physiotherapists experiencing and navigating diagnostic uncertainty when managing individuals with musculoskeletal pain. These strategies include looking critically at diagnostic certainty; recognising and normalising uncertainty; utilising direct practice and authentic experiences, and Balint groups as a strategy for sharing. Conclusion: New graduate physiotherapists frequently experience diagnostic uncertainty in the management of musculoskeletal pain. There is a need to focus on acknowledging and managing diagnostic uncertainty in physiotherapy education and workplace support to address the ethical and emotional reactions associated with uncertainty. Physiotherapy educators and professionals can lead by example, acknowledging and sharing uncertainty and exploring this with students.
Read: Diagnostic uncertainty in musculoskeletal pain: Implications for physiotherapy education