Ep46: When Physios Can Order Imaging: Smarter Imaging, Better Care with Jack Miller and Rob Werstine

About this episode

The episode discusses the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in physiotherapy and the implications of overuse.

In this episode, we discussed: The principal use of diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing: When it should be used and when it shouldn't be used The limitations of diagnostics and ramifications of overuse on psychological, behavioural, and systemic levels Improving providers' literacy and patient education around diagnostics The impact of physiotherapists having the scope expansion and the current state of advocacy on this topic Resources The Canadian C-spine Rule The Ottawa Ankle Rule The Ottawa Knee Rule Canadian Association of Radiologists Utilization Guideline American College of Radiologist Appropriateness Criteria Brinjikji, W., et al. (2015). MRI findings of disc degeneration are more prevalent in adults with low back pain than in asymptomatic controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 36(12), 2394-2399. Flynn, T. W., et al. (2011). Appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in low back pain: a reminder that unnecessary imaging may do as much harm as good. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 41(11), 838-846. Sajid, I. M., Parkunan, A., & Frost, K. (2021). Unintended consequences: quantifying the benefits…

People in this episode

Guests: Jack Miller, Rob Werstine

Topics covered

• diagnostic imaging
• physiotherapy
• patient education
• scope of practice
• healthcare advocacy

Keywords

• diagnostic imaging
• physiotherapy
• patient education
• C-spine Rule
• Ottawa Ankle Rule
• Ottawa Knee Rule
• scope expansion
• healthcare advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Canadian Association of Radiologists, American College of Radiologist

Books & works: American Journal of Neuroradiology, journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, BMJ open quality, Medical Journal of Australia

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