"In the physio we trust": A qualitative study on patients' preferences for physiotherapy

• Background: Patients' preferences should be integrated in evidence-based practice. This study aimed to explore patients' preferences for physiotherapy treatment and participation in decision making. Methods: A qualitative study set in an urban physiotherapy clinic in Gothenburg, Sweden. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 individuals who sought physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: An overarching theme, embracing six categories, was conceptualized: Trust in the physiotherapist fosters active engagement in therapy. The participants preferred active treatment strategies such as exercise and advice for self-management, allowing them to actively engage in their therapy. Some preferred passive treatments. Key influencers on treatment preferences were previous experiences and media. All participants wanted to be involved in the clinical decision making, but to varying extents. Some expressed a preference for an active role and wanting to share decisions while others were content with a passive role. Expectations for a professional management were reflected in trust and confidence in physiotherapists' skills and competence, expectations for good outcomes, and believing that treatment methods should be evidence-based. Conclusion: Trust in the physiotherapist's competence, as well as a desire to participate in clinical decision making, fosters active engagement in physiotherapy.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Guidelines

patient preferences

physical therapy

primary care

shared decision making

LOW-BACK-PAIN

SHARED DECISION-MAKING

PRIMARY-CARE

CLINICAL-PRACTICE

HEALTH-CARE

NECK PAIN

PATIENTS EXPECTATIONS

IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

OF-CARE

Physical therapy

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)