Appropriateness and efficacy of Spa therapy for musculoskeletal disorders. A Delphi method consensus initiative among experts in Italy
Authors
Marco Paoloni, Andrea Bernetti, Ovidio Brignoli, Daniela Coclite, Antonio Fraioli, Stefano Masiero, Antonello Napoletano, Nicola Quirino, Franco Rengo, Carlo Ruosi, Ugo Viora, Marco Vitale, Valter Santilli
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study was to identify the main aspects concerning appropri-ateness 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 partici-pants. 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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