Physiotherapists' Approaches to Low Back Pain Education

Summary This pilot study explored the educational dimension of physiotherapy practice by focusing on low back pain education. Grounded theory was used to conduct in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapists exploring their perceptions of what patients need to learn from them and how they could be helped to learn. One patient of each physiotherapist was also interviewed regarding what they expected to learn, what they actually learnt and what they found most effective about their physiotherapist in managing their back pain. The data revealed that seven physiotherapists adopted a didactic and therapist-centred approach. Three of these never altered whereas the other four tried to change to a more patient-centred approach. Only one physiotherapist applied an experience-based, patient-centred approach throughout her treatment sessions. All patients identified physiotherapists' attitudes and communication skills as the most effective teaching tools. It is recommended that physiotherapy practice be underpinned by experience-based learning that advocates an open therapist-patient relationship. Such a relationship encourages dialogue, action and reflection on progress and steers clear of unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings. It will enhance sustainable behaviour change and effective physiotherapy educators.