Experiences and needs of physiotherapists and exercise therapists regarding the management of working people with complaints of the arm, neck and shoulder (CANS): A focus group study
Publication year
2022Source
Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 62, (2022), article 102644ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor
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Organization
IQ Healthcare
Journal title
Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
Volume
vol. 62
Subject
Radboudumc 18: Healthcare improvement science RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; IQ Healthcare - Radboud University Medical CenterAbstract
BACKGROUND: Non-traumatic complaints of the arm, neck and/or shoulder (CANS) are difficult-to-treat musculoskeletal conditions. CANS treatment has varying degrees of success, particularly in the working population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the experiences and needs of physiotherapists (PTs) and exercise therapists (ETs) regarding the treatment of working patients with CANS. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative focus group study was conducted. METHOD: Qualitative data were collected from 27 therapists who were purposefully recruited for their broad range of experience and qualifications. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Both PTs and ETs assess CANS extensively by exploring their patients' psychosocial factors, work-related factors, illness beliefs, and working conditions. Therapists apply hands-off treatment interventions, such as coaching the patient to make behavioural changes and providing self-management support. However, therapists experience many difficulties in these areas, resulting in a need to learn more about coaching techniques for behavioural change, engaging in meaningful conversations about the patient's perspective, supporting patients in building a strong social network in the workplace, and creating a professional network for collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of working people with CANS is difficult for PTs and ETs. Therapists express a need to learn more about supporting self-management, applying coaching techniques and engaging in meaningful conversations. Moreover, therapists indicate a need to establish a professional multidisciplinary network to support collaborations with other disciplines to treat working patients with CANS.
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Academic publications [244084]
- Electronic publications [131085]
- Faculty of Medical Sciences [92872]
- Open Access publications [105126]
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