Authors' objectives: In March 2000, a survey was mailed out to 273 physical therapists involved in rehabilitation, home care and long term care in the province of Alberta. The purpose of the survey was to determine the amount of use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in wound care.

Authors' recommendations: The survey response rate was 81.3% (or 222/273). Results showed that 23.1% (51/221) of all respondents used low level lasers in the treatment of their wound patients. When broken down by type of care, 35.1% 27/77) of physical therapists involved in long term care used LLLT in comparison with 27.3% (18/66) of those in home care and 7.7% (6/78) of physical therapists involved in rehabilitation. The majority of physical therapists believed that low level laser therapy was an effective therapy for wound care, regardless of whether or not they used it in practice. Specifically, 90.2% who used LLLT believed it was effective whereas 56.2% who did not use LLLT believed it was effective. There was no statistically significant difference in the use of LLLT between physical therapists in the Calgary Regional Health Authority (19.6%) and those in Capital Health (24.0%).

Authors' methods: Survey

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: https://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search?type=1020

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;

Contact Name: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Contact Email: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Copyright: <p>Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research</p>