Vittone D, Fergus A, Brown L, Mousaw J; The Sage Colleges Troy, NY, USA, vittod@sage.edu

PURPOSE: A limited amount of research exists regarding the knowledge base of physical therapists (PT’s) and physical therapist assistants (PTA’s) on the topic of domestic violence. PT’s and PTA’s are in an environment to identify victims of domestic violence. The purpose of the present study was to identify the knowledge base possessed by PT’s and PTA’s. Other specific objectives of this study included the identification of screening procedures, barriers to screening, ability to formulate appropriate interventions, and what resources were used to obtain information regarding domestic violence. SUBJECTS: PT’s and PTA’s that were members of the Orthopedic Section of the New York Physical Therapy Association. ETHODS: A locally constructed questionnaire was distributed to 403 randomly selected PT’s and PTA’s that were members of the Orthopedic Section of the New York Physical Therapy Association. SPSS, version 10.0 was used to analyze the168 useable questionnaires (42%) that were returned. RESULTS: The knowledge bases of PT’s and PTA’s were generally low (53% correct regarding items on signs and symptoms of domestic violence). Very few factors influenced those knowledge bases. Few therapists (n=34) provided an appropriate intervention strategy to assist victims of domestic violence. Many participants (66.1%) reported obtaining information regarding domestic violence from popular culture, while only 17.9% reported receiving information within their professional education program. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this questionnaire suggest that the knowledge base of PT’s and PTA’s regarding domestic violence is low. Educational strategies need to be developed to increase the knowledge base. By gaining knowledge, the therapist should be able to perform routine screening for domestic violence, leading to the offering of an appropriate intervention, and improving the patients’ outcomes. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

Copyright 2004 by the American Physical Therapy Association

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