A survey of research priorities in occupational health physiotherapy

Abstract

 Background. In the early 2010s, the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics identified the need for more research to underpin practice. Research has been identified as playing a key role in translating evidence into high-quality care. 

Objective. To identify current research priorities in occupational health physiotherapy in order to establish where funding is directed. 

Methods. A survey was administered to delegates attending a 30-minute research priority-setting workshop at an occupational health physiotherapy conference in London, UK, in 2018. Content analysis was undertaken to identify the key research priorities. 

Results. In total, 49 participants (77%) returned the survey. Initially, 96 research topics were reported, from which after de-duplication 76 research topics were collated in an anonymised manner in a spreadsheet at the end of the workshop. Following content analysis, 18 occupational health physiotherapy research priorities emerged. 

Conclusion. This project confirmed a need to establish current research priorities to highlight areas for investment and grow the overall evidence base.