CLINICAL DECISION MAKING FOR USE OF ELECTRO-PHYSICAL AGENTS BY PHYSICAL-THERAPY INTERNS AND POST- GRADUATE STUDENTS OF AHMEDABAD, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: Electro-physical agents (EPA) are the electrical or thermal modalities used along with exercise therapy. The aim of the study was to understand the factors affecting the clinical decision making by newly practicing Physical-therapy Interns and Post-Graduate students, while choosing EPA as a part of treatment. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Physical-therapy college. Hundred Physical-therapists doing internship or the master?s program were included using convenience sampling. They were asked to fill a self-developed questionnaire regarding use of electro-physical agents. Results: Out of 100 subjects, EPAs available to all were TENS, IFT, SWD, US, IR at their work- place, while LASER-94%, Cryotherapy-94%, EMG/NCV-93%, Contrast Bath-87%, UVR-86%, MWD-82%, Combination Therapy-81%, Shock-wave Therapy-78%, , Magneto-Therapy-76% and were available. Hydro therapy pool was unavailable to 65%. Frequently used EPAs were IFT-94%, US-92%, TENS-90%, ES-80%, Contrast Bath-67%, SWD-63%, ,Cryotherapy-56%, IR-52% a day. Factors which influence the use of EPAs the most were- background experiences, busy and tight schedule and availability of equipment. Another factor was technophobia, where half of people didn?t have any fear of technology. And it was found that 52% were self- confident while operating any modality. But only 6% felt that patient preference is a very strong factor. Conclusion: The survey shows a high availability and use of EPAs. Background and experience, busy and tight schedule, availability of equipment, degree of self- confidence operating the device, time and ease of application were the strong factors influencing their use.