An exploration of psychosocial practice within private practice musculoskeletal physiotherapy: A cross-sectional survey

Isabella Man; Saravana Kumar; Mark Jones; Ian Edwards

doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2019.06.004

An exploration of psychosocial practice within private practice musculoskeletal physiotherapy: A cross-sectional survey

Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2019 Oct:43:58-63. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.06.004. Epub 2019 Jun 26.

Authors

Isabella Man¹, Saravana Kumar², Mark Jones³, Ian Edwards⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, 108 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia. Electronic address: manil001@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
² School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, 108 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia. Electronic address: saravana.kumar@unisa.edu.au.
³ School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, 108 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia. Electronic address: mark.jones@unisa.edu.au.
⁴ School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, 108 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia. Electronic address: ian.edwards@unisa.edu.au.

PMID: 31260932
DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.06.004

Abstract

Background: Patients with pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders often seek treatment from physiotherapists, necessitating these practitioners' competence to practice within the biopsychosocial framework. Qualitative research suggests musculoskeletal physiotherapists may not have adequate proficiency in psychosocial practice to assess and address psychosocial factors effectively.

Objective: To collect quantitative self-report data via an online survey from a large cross section of Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapists regarding their psychosocial practice.

Methods: The study involved an iterative survey development process followed by the conduct of this survey. A provisional survey named the 'Triple P Questionnaire' was developed, informed by the knowledge and experience of the research team. This Questionnaire was piloted by experts (n = 6) to provide feedback on the instrument. Changes were made to the survey based on this feedback. The finalised Triple P Questionnaire was distributed to Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapists.

Results: 181 participants completed the full survey. Not all demographic characteristics were representative of the population. Most participants indicated that they 'agree' to most statements posed in the questionnaire including confidence, routine practice of specific psychosocial skills and barriers. Some questions presented a majority response of 'disagree' or a spread of responses, indicating some evidence-practice gaps, including the use of questionnaires, and explicit assessment of psychological factors. Inferential statistics revealed no significant correlations between demographic characteristics and psychosocial practice.

Conclusion: The Triple P Questionnaire identified musculoskeletal physiotherapists' general confidence in their psychosocial practice but highlights some apparent inconsistencies in reported practice and areas where confidence is not as strong, reflecting possible evidence practice gaps.

MeSH terms

Adult
Australia
Clinical Competence
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Musculoskeletal Pain / rehabilitation*
Pain Management
Physical Therapists / psychology*
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Private Practice*
Qualitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires