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An exploration of physiotherapists' perceived benefits and barriers towards using psychosocial strategies in their practice
Journal article   Peer reviewed

An exploration of physiotherapists' perceived benefits and barriers towards using psychosocial strategies in their practice

Christina Driver, Florin I Oprescu and Geoff Lovell
Musculoskeletal Care, Vol.18(2), pp.111-121
2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1437
Appears in  Thompson Institute Research Collection
url
https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1437View
Published Version

Abstract

barriers benefits biopsychosocial psychosocial strategies qualitative research training General mental health and psychology Thompson Institute Special Collection
Background This study aimed to determine what physiotherapists perceive are the benefits of using psychosocial strategies in their own practice, and whether perceived barriers extend beyond practitioner and contextual barriers. Methods Content analysis of two open-ended questions was conducted. Australian physiotherapists (n = 206) provided written comments. Results Three key categories of benefits emerged: patient benefits, shared patient and physiotherapist benefits, and physiotherapist benefits. Patient benefits included improved rehabilitation experience, improved patient wellbeing and improvement of psychosocial responses. Specifically, increased patient enjoyment, improved self-management and improved understanding of the links between their physical and psychological health. Therapeutic alliance appeared as a shared patient and physiotherapist benefit, with specific reference to enhanced partnerships and improved patient-centred practice. Physiotherapist benefits comprised of improved needs assessment and occupational benefits such as reduced load. Three key categories of physiotherapist barriers, contextual barriers, and patient barriers emerged. Time, knowledge, confidence, lack of expertise, and limited formal training, were the main barriers, specifically a lack of practical training, and for more complex strategies. Physiotherapists acknowledged patient barriers such as patient resistance, lack of understanding, and complex mental health needs. Conclusions These findings contribute novel information with regard to the benefits and barriers of psychosocial approaches from a physiotherapist perspective. Physiotherapists may benefit from further support in their use of psychosocial approaches, to emphasize the benefits for their own practice. Furthermore, to potentially reduce patient barriers and improve outcomes, patient education concerning a biopsychosocial model of care could be valuable.

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