Strengthening Physiotherapy in Austria: A Push for Professional Expertise

New study at IMC Krems provides basic data on the qualifications of Austrian physiotherapists

Krems, Austria, 14. January 2025: Austrian physiotherapists require additional training to better identify serious health issues and make clinically relevant decisions that benefit their patients. This is the conclusion of a recent study conducted by IMC Krems and published in the journal BMC Primary Care. Specifically, the ability to determine whether physiotherapy is indicated („keep“) or to refer patients to a physician („refer“) could be significantly enhanced through targeted education and training programs. The findings highlight the need for focused measures to improve healthcare professionals‘ knowledge, particularly in managing serious pathologies.

Austria relies heavily on the expertise of its physiotherapists to maintain and enhance the population’s health and quality of life. Highly trained professionals play a vital role, especially in rehabilitation following injuries and in the care of chronically ill patients. A recent study led by Prof. Jessica Janssen and Associate Prof. Wolfgang Lackenbauer from the Institute of Therapy and Midwifery Sciences at IMC Krems gathered baseline data on the decision-making skills of physiotherapists for the first time—revealing significant room for improvement.

Clinical Vignettes with Red Flags

The study surveyed 479 physiotherapists, asking them to decide whether fictitious patients, described in case scenarios (“clinical vignettes”), should receive continued physiotherapy („keep“) or be referred to a physician („refer“). “Our focus was on identifying red flags in these fictional cases — warning signs of serious pathologies explains Jessica Janssen, lead author of the study. The findings showed a clear need for improvement in decision-making: in critical clinical vignettes, only 53.5% of participants made the correct decision, compared to 70.5% for musculoskeletal cases and nearly 80% for non-critical medical cases. Alarmingly, only two professionals (0.4%) correctly assessed all 12 cases presented in the questionnaire. These results underscore the necessity for more specific training in recognizing red flags, i.e., indicators of severe pathologies.

Training & Collaboration

In line with this finding, more than half of the therapists surveyed expressed a desire for further training on serious pathologies masquerading as musculoskeletal complaints. „Our study clearly demonstrates both the potential and the willingness to professionalize physiotherapy in Austria. Targeted continuing education in clinical decision-making and red flag recognition should therefore be offered”, explains Wolfgang Lackenbauer, second lead author of the study.

However, close communication and interprofessional collaboration between physiotherapists and physicians are essential to ensure optimal patient care. The study’s results underscore the importance of investing in the education and training of physiotherapists. With appropriate training and an increased emphasis on recognizing red flags, physiotherapists can further enhance patient care while alleviating the strain on the healthcare system. Future research initiatives could help develop tailored training programs to foster both clinical decision-making skills and interprofessional collaboration.

Original publication: Keep/Refer Decision Making in Austrian Physiotherapists: Implications for Training and Education. (2024). BMC Primary Care 25:387. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02634-8

IMC Krems at a glance

Located in the heart of the province of Lower Austria, IMC Krems is committed to promoting internationalisation, practically focused education and innovation. It has 160-plus partner universities, in excess of 1,000 partner companies worldwide and over 3,000 students from 90 countries spread across two locations in Austria, with another 700 studying at five sites abroad. The contemporary topics of sustainability and digitalisation feature prominently in all of the degree programmes at this dynamic, modern institution. IMC Krems offers 27 full-time and part-time bachelor and master degree programmes and four continuing education courses in its core subjects of business, digitalisation and engineering, health sciences, and life sciences. The university has strong links with research and business – total funding for the university’s numerous research projects currently amounts to several million euros. English and German as the languages of instruction, internships in Austria and overseas, as well as international exchange programmes and semesters abroad ensure that students are equipped with all the tools they need for careers in Austria or other countries. Outstanding performance: IMC Krems’ excellent reputation in Austria and abroad is reflected in numerous external distinctions (CHE Ranking, IQNet and Quality Austria for fulfilment of ISO standards, Diploma Supplement Label), certificates (evalag), membership of international organisations (FHK, AACSB, ÖAWI, EAIE), and accreditations from international organisations. Visit the IMC Krems website for the latest facts and figures about the university: https://www.fhkrems.ac.at/fachhochschule/medienportal/presse/#facts-figures.