Physiotherapy Practice in Flemish Nursing Homes
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
AgeNot listed
SponsorHasselt University
About this trial
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the extent to which physiotherapy sessions in Flemish nursing homes adhere to the IAGG-GARN guidelines and to explore factors influencing clinical practice among physiotherapists.
The study targets multiple nursing homes across Flanders, with 3 to 5 centers in each of the provinces of Limburg, Antwerp, and Flemish Brabant. This selection ensures variation in geographic location and organizational context. The participants in this study are physiotherapists working in the participating nursing homes.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* To what extent do the physiotherapy sessions align with the IAGG-GARN guidelines? * Are there differences in physiotherapy session content and volume according to physiotherapist characteristics and resident characteristics? * What barriers and facilitators do physiotherapists experience when implementing guideline-based practice in Flemish nursing homes?
Researchers will observe physiotherapy sessions delivered as part of routine care and document session content and duration using structured observation diaries. Participating physiotherapists will also take part in focus groups discussing experiences with guideline implementation, barriers, facilitators, and clinical decision-making.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
None beyond being a licensed physiotherapist working in a Flemish nursing home and willing to participate.
Disqualifiers
None
Trial population
The study population consists of licensed physiotherapists working in Flemish nursing homes who provide physiotherapy to older residents
Trial design
Design model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Treatments tested in this trial
Mapping therapy sessions
Other interventionMapping therapy sessions provided by physical therapists in Flemish nursing homes
Treatment groups
No treatment groups listed
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Guideline Adherence to IAGG-GARN Recommendations
Overall adherence of physiotherapy sessions in Flemish nursing homes to IAGG-GARN recommendations. Adherence is assessed through structured direct observation of the routine physiotherapy sessions. The secondary outcomes are operationalize adherence to the guideline (frequency, exercise intensity, exercise duration, exercise type and personalization)
Time frame
2 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Exercise Description
Narrative description of each exercise performed during a physiotherapy sessions.
Time frame
2 weeks2
Use of Equipment, Aids or Materials
Type of equipment, aids or materials used during each exercise.
Time frame
2 weeks3
Exercise format
Whether the exercise is performed individually or in a group setting.
Time frame
2 weeks4
Group Size
Number of participants involved in group-based exercises.
Time frame
2 weeksOther outcomes
1
Background information physiotherapists
Age, gender, year of graduation, specialization, number of years of experience as a physiotherapist, educational level (e.g., bachelor, master…), employment regime (full-time, part-time, other appointment), number of years working within the nursing home and continuing education participation This information is pseudonymously linked to the observation data with the aim of identifying interpersonal differences in therapy approach.
Time frame
baseline2
Background information residents
In addition, the physiotherapeutic interventions will be linked to residents' background information to determine the extent to which the physiotherapists adapt their therapy to the specific needs of the patient. The following information will be used: * Age category: 65-70, 71-75, 76-80, 81-85, 86-90, 91-95, 96-100 and 100+ * Gender: male / female / other * Stable medical status: yes/no * Cognitive status (MMSE score): 25-30 (normal), 21-24 (mild cognitive impairment), 10-20 (moderate cognitive impairment), 0-9 (severe cognitive impairment) * Ability to walk (maximum achievable level for resident): independent, independent with walking aid, with assistance from caregiver, wheelchair-bound, bedridden * Ability to transfer (maximum achievable level for resident): independent, with aid, with assistance from caregiver, with hoist * Following physiotherapy: yes/no * With which (main) physiotherapist: physiotherapist ID
Time frame
baseline3
Focus groups with physiotherapists
Step 1: Center-specific After completion of the observations, a center-specific feedback session will be held at each nursing home. These sessions (60-90 minutes, 2-8 therapists) present and discuss the results with physiotherapists, focusing on their work context, its influence on care delivery, and the reasoning behind their choices. Step 2: Validation Following the feedback sessions, a validation focus group will be organized at a neutral location (UHasselt), including 1-2 representatives per center and additional physiotherapists (10 participants, 60-90 minutes). Results from the observations and all feedback sessions will be presented anonymously. The discussion will focus on validating and deepening findings, identifying key themes and patterns, and determining priorities for further development Digital recordings of the focus groups will be made during the session. At the end of the focus groups, the recordings will be transcribed and anonymized for analysis.
Time frame
2 daysSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov