Physiotherapists’ perception of patient compliance to home exercises in chronic musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

ABSTRACT

Background: Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are common, are responsible for a considerable amount of disability, impairment, and handicap, and are associated with high economic costs. Rehabilitation of chronic musculoskeletal conditions necessitates long-term home-based exercise programs. Exercises have been shown to alleviate pain, improve joint mobility and stability, allow faster return to work and prevent progression of chronic conditions. Non-adherence of patients to unsupervised long-term exercise is a major problem that affects treatment outcome. This study explores Indian physiotherapists’ perception of exercise adherence and their interventions to tackle it in clinical practice. Methods: A convenience sample of fifteen experienced physiotherapists from Saurashtra region of Gujarat was interviewed. Interviews were recorded and analysed. Results: The identified themes revolved around issues of patient-therapist collaboration in chronic rehabilitation. The subordinate themes were negotiating ownership and self management, education and pain, patient attitudes and communication. Conclusion: Experienced physiotherapists recognised barriers and often critically viewed their practice. They undertook necessary interventions in their practice but persisting non-adherence made them question the patient’s role in the partnership.