The first and foremost thing one should know about science is that it is ever-growing and scientific knowledge will continue to grow as long as the human species exists. A scientific database is a computerized, organized collection of related data, which can be accessed for scientific inquiry and long-term stewardship. Physiotherapy is a science, and like all sciences, it should have a database.
Why is a database important?
When a therapist treats a patient, it is very essential that they know the rate of their progress. One of the ways to note progress/prognosis is to refer to a database. What? Let me explain.
If you’re treating a patient who underwent a total knee replacement surgery, you must know two things – the current state of the individual, and how their current state compares to what is normal. Once you are aware of how far behind you are in terms of treatment, you will be able to formulate protocols that meet smart goals.
What else makes a database important?
Physiotherapy is without a doubt a growing profession, and growing professions need research. Databases can help physiotherapists and clinicians alike in the field of research. Almost all research stems from previously studied phenomena. It is important to know the current data and have a general idea of what is going on.
In order to conduct research, a team needs to work day and night for hours, making sure that data is collected on time and accurately. How can this change? The answer is quite simple— Artificial Intelligence!
With AI, data can be collected with ease and stored efficiently without manual hassle. Fitknees, our innovative device, helps clinicians store data easily. But that’s not all, with the help of Fitknees, one can access data from the database upon request! This makes data collection easier and more efficient.
What normal treatment looks like versus treatment with data –
Let’s say you have a patient who is suffering from post-operative knee stiffness. The general goals a therapist has during the initial stages of treatment would be to identify the cause of the reduced range of motion and get working on it as soon as possible.
Normally, the physio takes their goniometer, measures the range, and records it manually with a pen and pencil or his phone. This is the first set of data the therapist has acquired. And the same process occurs almost every day, and the therapist has to make sure that his data is not physically lost, or he has to search for the patient’s file on his phone. With the help of Fitknees, most of these steps can be skipped. All you need to do is attach the device, ask the patient to perform the movement and eureka! The device stores all the data in the software in an organised format. Skip the hassle of looking for data every single time you treat a patient.
Another advantage data brings to the table in terms of treatment, is reference to normative values. If your patient presents with an unusual reduction in range of motion on a specific day, therapists can look into the data and compare how the values should be versus what they are.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving field of physiotherapy, the importance of a comprehensive database cannot be overstated. As a science, physiotherapy relies on research and evidence-based practices to drive innovation and deliver optimal patient care. A scientific database serves as a valuable resource, providing access to a wealth of information and enabling clinicians to track progress, make informed treatment decisions, and contribute to ongoing research efforts.
The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has further revolutionized data management in physiotherapy. Fitknees, an innovative device, seamlessly integrates AI technology to simplify data collection and storage. With Fitknees, therapists can effortlessly collect and access patient data, eliminating manual entry and ensuring accurate and efficient record-keeping. This streamlined process saves valuable time, allowing clinicians to focus on providing exceptional care and conducting research without the burden of cumbersome data management.
By embracing the potential of data-driven practice, physiotherapy can unlock new frontiers, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the ongoing growth and advancement of the profession.
