Preference of Internet Usage versus Textbook Usage for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Physiotherapy Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and need of study: This study aims to evaluate the frequency with which physiotherapy students experience; the need of digital information resources and academic textbooks to diagnose and treat patients. The widespread availability of internet-connected smart devices in the health care setting has the potential to provide physiotherapy students' information needs. Methodology: 140 physiotherapy students, selected by convenience sampling. Students studying in third year, final year and Interns of Physiotherapy students were included. The participants filled a Google self-designed, close-ended questionnaire which was circulated via WhatsApp around different physiotherapist groups. Descriptive analysis was done using Microsoft excel. Results: Out of 140 subjects, 53% use internet for diagnosing and treatment of the patients; 70% find internet useful for understanding the patient’s condition better while 84% find textbooks reliable for diagnosis. 48% think maybe internet is hindering their academic performances, 31% think it’s definitely hindering while 21% think it’s not. Conclusion: Physiotherapy students frequently experience need of internet for diagnosis and treatment for their patients. This also departs a thought that the students are not aware regarding the authenticity of materials given on internet. This study also implies that despite textbooks being safe, internet is being used for the sake of convenience by students. Keywords: Physiotherapy students, Internet, Textbook, Treatment