Background and purpose: Patients with Functional neurological disorder (PwFND) report lower satisfaction of care compared to other neurological conditions with organic causes. With medical and allied health professionals reporting poor confidence managing PwFND referencing lack of pre-qualification training as a reason for their lack of confidence. This study explored UK Physiotherapy student’s knowledge and experience of FND.

Methods: A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed online via JISC online surveys to UK Physiotherapy students via social media and student groups. Physiotherapy students who had completed neurological teaching module were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire was open over a 4-week period spanning the 20th March to the 17th April 2023.

Results: 18 UK physiotherapy students completed the questionnaire, reporting insufficient knowledge regarding aetiology (n=10) and management (n=16) of PwFND, while also reporting lack of confidence communicating with PwFND (n=14). 17 participants further stated that they were not taught enough during their university degree to manage a PwFND in a placement setting.

Discussion and conclusion: The lack of confidence amongst practicing physiotherapists and allied health professionals starts early in their career due to a lack of teaching and opportunity to gain experience. The results of this study highlight UK student physiotherapists lack of knowledge and understanding of FND. However A larger study further exploring teaching of functional conditions as well as UK physiotherapy student’s knowledge will further clarify the gaps in knowledge that could be addressed. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of simulation based training in a Pre-qualification education setting could provide a teaching framework to apply in universities.