Knee osteoarthritis patient perspectives of their care in an australian private physiotherapy setting: a qualitative exploratory interview study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Research

Kathryn Mills¹  Hans Sun²  Kathryn A Gibson³  Justine M Naylor⁴  Rebecca Livings⁵  Siobhan M Schabrun⁶  Jeanette M Thom⁷  Sarah Dennis⁸ 

[1] Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia;Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia;Rheumatology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia;Eli Lilly Australia Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia;Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia;Whitlam Orthopaedic Research Centre, Orthopaedic Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia;Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada;The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute of Rehabilitation, London, ON, Canada;School of Health Sciences and Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;School of Health Sciences and Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia;Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia;

关键词: Knee osteoarthritis;    Physiotherapy;    Physical therapy;    Guideline-based care;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12891-023-06692-4

 received in 2022-12-22, accepted in 2023-07-04,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

PurposeThis study aimed to understand perceptions that knee osteoarthritis patients have regarding their experiences of guideline-based recommendations within their care received from physiotherapists in private practice.MethodsA qualitative semi-structured interview study nested within a larger trial auditing care provided by physiotherapists. Recruited adults ≥ 45 years with knee osteoarthritis across nine primary care physiotherapy practices. Interview questions were anchored around the core elements recommended in guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis and patient perceptions of these were analysed using both content and thematic qualitative analysis approaches. Patient satisfaction with care received was asked at the time of interview.ResultsTwenty-six patients volunteered for the study (mean 60 years, 58% female). Analysis identified that physiotherapists focused on treating symptoms through quadriceps strengthening exercises, which patients found to be effective, though focussed less on other aspects of evidenced-based care. Patient’s perceived treatment to be effective in relieving pain and enabling them to stay active and they appreciated the positive role that their physiotherapist provided in alleviating their concerns. Overall, patients were satisfied with their physiotherapy care but would have liked more specific osteoarthritis education and longer-term management.ConclusionThe description of the physiotherapy-related care received by people with knee osteoarthritis aligns with guideline recommendations, though mainly for strength-related exercise prescription. Despite some perceived shortfalls in care, patients do appear to be satisfied. However, improvements in patient outcomes may be possible if more elements of guideline-base care are regularly provided, including enhancing osteoarthritis education and fostering behaviour change.Trial registrationACTRN12620000188932.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

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