Abstract
Objective
To define patient-centredness from the patient's perspective in the context of physiotherapy for chronic low back pain (CLBP).
Design
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of various aspects of physiotherapy management of CLBP.
Setting
Physiotherapy departments in one geographical area of the UK National Health Service.
Participants
Twenty-five individuals who had received physiotherapy for CLBP within the previous 6 months.
Results
Six key themes emerged as the dimensions that the participants perceived to be important for patient-centred physiotherapy: communication; individual care; decision-making; information; the physiotherapist; and organisation of care. Communication was the most important dimension, underpinning the five other dimensions as well as being a distinct dimension of patient-centred physiotherapy.
Conclusions
Physiotherapists should have an understanding of the six dimensions of patient-centred physiotherapy for CLBP. Improving physiotherapists’ communication skills may better facilitate patient-centred physiotherapy, and therefore enhance the experience of physiotherapy for this client group.
Citation
Patient-centredness in physiotherapy from the perspective of the chronic low back pain patient
Kay Cooper, Blair H. Smith, Elizabeth Hancock
Physiotherapy - September 2008 (Vol. 94, Issue 3, Pages 244-252, DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2007.10.006)