ABSTRACT
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to engage with physiotherapy clinicians, academics, physiotherapy students and patients to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and practical considerations of implementing person-focused evidence-based pain education concepts, identified from our previous research, in pre-registration physiotherapy training. Design: This qualitative study took a person-focused approach to ground pain education in the perspectives and experiences of people who deliver and use it. Data was collected via focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using the seven stage Framework approach. Setting: Focus groups and interviews were conducted either face to face, via video conferencing or via telephone. This depended on geographical location, participant preference, and towards the end of data collection the limitations on in-person contact due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants: UK based physiotherapy clinicians, physiotherapy students, academics and patients living with pain were purposively sampled and invited to take part. Results: Five focus groups and six semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-nine participants. Four key dimensions evolved from the dataset that encapsulate concepts underpinning the acceptability and feasibility of implementing pain education in pre-registration physiotherapy training. These are (1) make pain education authentic to reflect diverse, real patient scenarios, (2) demonstrate the value that pain education adds, (3) be creative by engaging students with content that requires active participation, (4) openly discuss the challenges and embrace scope of practice. Conclusions: These key dimensions shift the focus of pain education towards practically engaging content that reflects people experiencing pain from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. This study highlights the need for creativity in curriculum design and the importance of preparing graduates for the challenges that they will face in clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
To proactively identify risks that may be exacerbated by the pandemic and mitigate them where possible, a primary care outreach program was developed. The screening algorithm was developed by our interdisciplinary Mobility Clinic team, and focuses on 5 domains: health destabilization, mental health, access to services and supports, social isolation, and caregiver stress. The algorithm was administered by phone and any risks identified received further investigation by the team. We used the opportunity to educate patients about the risks of COVID-19 and protective measures. Follow-up continued every 6-8 weeks throughout the duration of the pandemic. The program was developed and implemented in a primary care Mobility Clinic. The algorithm was administered by phone to individuals identified as past and current Mobility Clinic patients. A total of 107 unique patients were contacted, 76 who were male and 31 who were female. 74 patients were identified as having a spinal cord injury (SCI). Not applicable. An evaluation of this outreach program involved a description of the patient population contacted, the identification of common risks for patients, and patient satisfaction with the program. Some of the most common questionnaire responses by patients with SCI included feelings of stress and/or anxiety and a reduction in Personal Support Worker services leading to increased caregiver stress. The outreach program helps us to proactively identify risks for individuals with SCI, including stress, anxiety, and decreased Personal Support Worker services. Through the program, we are able to address these concerns and provide follow-up. Risk assessment and care at the primary care level can mitigate adverse events and hospitalizations, which is especially important during a pandemic situation when healthcare and hospital resources are limited. Dr. James Milligan would like to disclose a relationship with Eisai Pharmaceuticals. Please see the attached disclosure forms for more details. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose.