A qualitative study exploring the views of individuals with knee osteoarthritis on the role of physiotherapists in weight management: A complex issue requiring a sophisticated skill set

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to explore the attitudes of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) towards the role of physiotherapists in weight management in knee OA. Methods The study took the form of a qualitative semi‐structured telephone interview study. Participants included 13 purposively sampled individuals with symptomatic knee OA who were overweight or obese by body mass index. Each participated in a semi‐structured telephone interview exploring their perspectives regarding the potential role of physiotherapists in weight management in knee OA. Data were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. Results Three main themes were identified, which highlighted that individuals with knee OA: (a) recognize that weight management is complex; (b) consider that a special skill set is required by clinicians for weight management; and (c) expressed ambivalence towards physiotherapists' role in weight management, with a focus on the role of exercise prescription. Conclusions Although participants were open to physiotherapists taking on a weight management role within a multidisciplinary team, they were uncertain about whether physiotherapists had the skills and scope of practice needed to address this complex issue. The findings highlight the importance of engagement by physiotherapists in meaningful dialogue with patients, to understand better their experiences, expectations and preferences, and establish if, when and how to integrate patients in weight management discussions in the treatment plan for their knee OA.

“It's the single best thing I've done in the last 10 years”: a qualitative study exploring patient and dietitian experiences with, and perceptions of, a multi-component dietary weight loss program for knee osteoarthritis

“…Most seek treatment from general practitioners (GPs) and/or physiotherapists 13,15 , yet GPs and physiotherapists lack confidence with weight management and/or believe it is outside their scope of practice 16e19 . People with OA desire weight loss advice from a clinician specialised in weight management 20 . Dietitians are such clinicians, but are not typically involved in the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions 15,21 .…”

Patient engagement in the design of an intervention to prevent muscle loss in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35

“…This is paired with restricted access to surgical treatments for knee OA based on BMI categories (Boyce et al., 2019; Hill et al., 2018). Further, individuals with a large body size may have experienced weight‐stigma in interactions with OA healthcare professionals (Allison et al., 2019; Lawford et al., 2020). Our findings suggest that perceived or anticipated obesity stigma could have impacts on intervention acceptability and contribute to avoidance of potentially beneficial care (Phelan et al., 2021).…”

BABS (Becoming Active in Beating osteoarthritiS): Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of an information campaign in improving the management of osteoarthritis and quality of care

“…These factors for using conservative treatment modalities were then mapped against the COM-B model. [33], [34], [35], [36], [37],…”