Comparing physical therapist clinical specialists to experienced nonspecialists on physical activity education for patients with heart failure: A modified retrospective cohort study.

Background And Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge and practices of specialist and experienced nonspecialist physical therapists in performing patient education about physical activity with patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods: Responses on a nationwide anonymous online survey were used to compare specialist and experienced nonspecialist physical therapists on knowledge and frequency of providing physical activity related education to patients hospitalized with acutely decompensated HF. Responses to survey items were scored on 5-point scales ranging from "Strongly agree" to "Strongly disagree" or "Always" to "Never.