Evaluating the feasibility of a blended learning approach incorporating an e-resource for teaching whiplash…

StudyMusculoskeletal science & practice· Jul 2026

Evaluating the feasibility of a blended learning approach incorporating an e-resource for teaching whiplash injury management to physiotherapy students: a pilot implementation study.

Ana Paula Carvalho-E-Silva, Jing Hern Kevin Poh, Christopher Papic, Trudy Rebbeck

Musculoskeletal RehabilitationStudyQ2IF 2.1

Whiplash e-learning resource for physiotherapy students showed high acceptability.

Evaluating the feasibility of a blended learning approach incorporating an e-resource for teaching whiplash injury management to physiotherapy students: a pilot implementation study.

Ana Paula Carvalho-E-Silva … Trudy Rebbeck

Musculoskeletal science & practice · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Rehabilitation

Background

Effective management of Whiplash-Associated Disorders (Whiplash-Associated Disorders) requires adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multifaceted implementation strategy, including an integrated e-resource, within physiotherapy education.

Methods

Guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, this single-group pre-post pilot implementation study evaluated a blended learning strategy that included: (i) interactive education, with integration of an e-resource into existing curricula, (ii) opinion leaders, and (iii) student champions.

n = 229 students

>80%

Results

>80%

e-resource rated highly acceptable by most students

n = 229 students

More results

Of 229 students, 171 attended the educational tutorial (75% participation rate).

E-resource access was reported by 55% of enrolled students and 74% of tutorial attendees.

Recruitment and retention rates were 59% and 32%, respectively.

More results

Exploratory pre-post analyses suggested higher levels of knowledge at follow-up for Whiplash-Associated Disorders classification (42%), prognostic factors (44%), and when to refer (48%).

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

The multifaceted implementation strategy was feasible to integrate within an existing physiotherapy curriculum and demonstrated high acceptability of e-resources.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Exploratory findings suggested a change in knowledge of Whiplash-Associated Disorders classification, prognosis, and referral pathways; however, these should be interpreted with caution given the single-group design and the modest follow-up retention rate.

Evaluating the feasibility of a blended learning approach incorporating an e-resource for teaching whiplash injury management to physiotherapy students: a pilot implementation study.

Evaluating the feasibility of a blended learning approach incorporating an e-resource for teaching whiplash injury management to physiotherapy students: a pilot implementation study.

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