Awareness about peripheral diabetic neuropathy among physical therapists in twin cities

Abstract

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to create awareness of holistic Screening approach about Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy among Physical Therapists in Twin Cities. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for of 6 months. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 110 Physical Therapists (58.1% females and 41.8% Males. A specified semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from Physical Therapists. Results: This study was carried out on 110 Physical Therapists. Results of our study showed that 94 (85.5%) Physical Therapists screened patients with different modalities such as 7 (6.4%) used touch perception, 6 (5.5%) used pain perception, 2 (1.8%) used vibration perception and only 1 (.9%) used ankle deep tendon reflex. 97 (88.2%) Physical Therapists assessed pain by different methods such as Pin prick method was used by 67 (60.9%) therapist, VAS was used by 15 (13.6%) therapists, 87 (79.1%) Physical Therapists assessed touch sensation. 21 (19.1%), used cotton ball, 5 (4.5%) used manual touch while 41 (37.3%) were having no specific response. Conclusion: It is concluded that Physical Therapists of twin cities are aware of basic screening steps for Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy and they utilize appropriate tool/modalities for assessing sensations and motor reflexes. This highlight the up to date evidence-based knowledge of PT working in twin cities.