Physiotherapy in Flemish Nursing Homes: Insights Into Practice, Barriers, and Facilitators

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the extent to which physiotherapy sessions in Flemish nursing homes adhere to the IAGG-GARN guidelines and to explore factors influencing clinical practice among physiotherapists.

The study targets multiple nursing homes across Flanders, with 3 to 5 centers in each of the provinces of Limburg, Antwerp, and Flemish Brabant. This selection ensures variation in geographic location and organizational context. The participants in this study are physiotherapists working in the participating nursing homes.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• To what extent do the physiotherapy sessions align with the IAGG-GARN guidelines?
• Are there differences in physiotherapy session content and volume according to physiotherapist characteristics and resident characteristics?
• What barriers and facilitators do physiotherapists experience when implementing guideline-based practice in Flemish nursing homes?

Researchers will observe physiotherapy sessions delivered as part of routine care and document session content and duration using structured observation diaries. Participating physiotherapists will also take part in focus groups discussing experiences with guideline implementation, barriers, facilitators, and clinical decision-making.