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'Look up from the waiting list and see the bigger picture': a qualitative analysis of clinical specialist physiotherapist perspectives on low back pain care in Ireland.
- Source :
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Physiotherapy [Physiotherapy] 2024 Jun; Vol. 123, pp. 133-141. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Feb 12. - Publication Year :
- 2024
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Abstract
- Introduction: Healthcare systems are struggling to deliver high-quality low back pain (LBP) care. In 2012 specialist physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal (MSK) triage services were introduced in Irish hospitals to expedite patient care and alleviate pressure on elective orthopaedic/ rheumatology consultant clinics. Specialist physiotherapists have expertise to inform health service improvement and reform, but their perspectives of LBP healthcare delivery have received scant attention.<br />Objectives: To explore specialist physiotherapists' perspectives on LBP care in Ireland, the barriers and facilitators to quality LBP care and the development of MSK interface services in primary care settings.<br />Design: Cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous electronic survey with thematic framework analysis of response data from open-ended questions.<br />Participants: Thirty-four clinical specialist physiotherapists in Irish MSK triage services.<br />Results: Thematic analysis resulted in six overarching themes, grouped into two categories. One category pertained to LBP healthcare in Ireland with the following three themes: 1) Inadequate health services for patients with LBP; 2) Need for defined LBP clinical pathways; 3) Need for a multisectoral approach to spine health. Themes in the second category, pertaining to the development of community-based MSK interface services, were: 4) Concern regarding isolation from secondary care services; 5) Unrealistic expectations of MSK triage; 6) Improved communication and collaboration with primary care services.<br />Conclusion: Specialist physiotherapists have concerns regarding LBP health services and persistence of a biomedical, secondary care-led approach. They advocate for investment in primary care multi-disciplinary teams, enhanced integration across primary and secondary care, development of a national clinical pathway and a multisectoral approach. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-1465
- Volume :
- 123
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Physiotherapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38479069
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2024.02.002