Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess Physical Therapists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Barriers Regarding Postoperative Scar Tissue

Background Postoperative scars can lead to numerous complications; however, there is limited documentation regarding the knowledge, attitudes, or practices of physical therapists (PTs) in the United States when treating them. Currently, no tool exists to objectively assess PTs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to postoperative scar management. Methods This study developed and validated a tool to measure PTs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the United States. The development and validation process involved a literature review, expert review, and statistical analysis. Content validity and factor analysis were performed. A convenience sample of PTs was surveyed, with 747 therapists participating. Results Survey items were created and evaluated by a panel of experts to establish external validity. A total of 30 items were organized into three factors: knowledge (10 items), attitudes (5 items), practices (8 items), and barriers (5 items). Cronbach’s alpha values indicated high internal consistency for the factors measuring attitudes (0.80), practices (0.80), and barriers (0.88). Discussion The developed and validated tool, the Postoperative Scar Survey, is suitable for assessing PTs’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to postoperative scar treatment. Conclusion This survey provides evidence that PTs have adequate knowledge about the impact of scars on patient well‐being. It further identifies PTs’ attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to treating scar tissue. Future research will examine practice patterns and identify gaps in service delivery among PTs and across patient demographics to ensure the highest quality of postoperative care.