Appropriateness and efficacy of Spa therapy for musculoskeletal disorders. A Delphi method consensus initiative among experts in Italy
Authors:
Paoloni M
(1)
,
Bernetti A
(1)
,
Brignoli O
(2)
,
Coclite D
(3)
,
Fraioli A
(4)
,
Masiero S
(5)
,
Napoletano A
(3)
,
Quirino N
(6)
,
Rengo F
(7)
,
Ruosi C
(8)
,
Viora U
(9)
,
Vitale M
(10)
,
Santilli V
(1)
Affiliations:
(1) Dipartimento di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa, Sapienza Università di Roma
(2) SIMG - Società Italiana di Medicina Generale
(3) Ufficio Relazioni Esterne, Istituto Superiore di Sanità
(4) Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Termale, Sapienza Università di Roma
(5) Rehabilitation Unit, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Padova
(6) Università LUISS
(7) Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale, Geriatrica, Oncologica e Tecnologie Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
(8) Dipartimento di Ortopedia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
(9) ANMAR - Associazione Nazionale Malati Reumatici Onlus
(10) Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Biotecnologiche e Traslazionali, Unità di Anatomia e Istologia, Università degli Studi di Parma
Source: Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2017 Jan-Mar;53(1):70-76
Article abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the study was to identify the main aspects concerning appropriateness and efficacy of Spa therapy for musculoskeletal pathologies.
METHODS:
A committee of 8 experts from Italian universities, public hospitals, territorial services, research institutes and patient associations was set up. Clinicians from Italian medical centers specialized in rheumatology, rehabilitation and thermal medicine took part in a Delphi process aimed at obtaining consensus statements among the participants.
RESULTS:
Large consensus was obtained for statements grouped under the following main themes: treatment indications; choice of treatment modality and treatment efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS:
The experts developed a number of consensus statements which may be used as a practical reference to guide the choice of physicians to treat musculoskeletal diseases with Spa therapy.
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