173: Evaluating the role of e-resources in teaching whiplash injury management to physiotherapy students

Topic: Clinical Science
Subtopic: Itch, Treatment/management

Background and Aims: Effective management of Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) requires adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Although educational strategies and e-resources have improved guideline knowledge among healthcare professionals, their integration within physiotherapy education remains underexplored. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted implementation strategy, including an integrated e-resource, on physiotherapy students’ knowledge of WAD assessment and management. Secondary aims were to assess implementation reach and students’ acceptance of the e-resource.

Methods: A pilot study was guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework. The multifaceted strategy comprised: (i) delivery of interactive educational sessions with integration of a structured e-resource into existing physiotherapy curricula; (ii) engagement of academic opinion leaders to support uptake; and (iii) identification of student champions to promote peer engagement. Participating students completed questionnaires at baseline and at a six-week follow-up to measure changes in knowledge of WAD assessment and management as well as acceptance of the e-resource. Implementation reach was calculated as the proportion of enrolled students within participating course units who consented to participate.

Results: Study reach was 59% (136/229), with 32% of participants (43/136) completing the six-week follow-up. Significant improvements were observed in accurate WAD classification (42%; 95% CI 22–61), identification of prognostic indicators for non-recovery (44%; 95% CI 25–63), and appropriate referral pathways for individuals not recovering (48.8%; 95% CI 31–66). No significant change was found in recognising all components of the Canadian C-Spine Rule or in applying matched-care principles for patients at low risk of non-recovery. Students reported high levels of acceptance and perceived usability of the e-resource, with over 80% indicating it supported learning and clinical practice

Conclusions: The multifaceted implementation approach enhanced students’ understanding of WAD classification and key prognostic indicators associated with non-recovery. Participants reported higher acceptance of the e-resource and perceived it as a valuable learning tool. Importantly, the resource was successfully and feasibly embedded in the existing curriculum.

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Presenting Author: Ana Paula Carvalho-e-Silva
Submitting Author: Ana Paula Carvalho-e-Silva

Senior Author: Prof. Trudy Rebbeck

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Jing Hern Kevin Poh - The University of Sydney
• Christopher Papic - RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
• Trudy Rebbeck - Sydney School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia