The ability of Austrian registered physiotherapists to recognize serious pathology.

Background: Serious pathology masking as musculoskeletal conditions is rare, still it is pertinent that physiotherapists can recognise it. This ability has been investigated internationally, however the decision-making skills of registered Austrian physiotherapists has not been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of registered Austrian physiotherapists to make accurate keep-refer decisions based on clinical vignettes.

The Ability of Austrian Qualified Physiotherapists to Make Accurate Keep-Refer Decisions and to Detect Serious Pathologies Based on Clinical Vignettes: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey.

Background: The recognition of serious pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially in the early stage of a disease, is an important but challenging task. The prevalence of such serious pathologies is currently low. However, in our progressing aging population, it is anticipated that serious pathologies affecting the MSK system will be on the rise.