Physical therapists’ experiences of learning and delivering a complex behavioral medicine intervention to adolescents with pain

Abstract

The objective was to study physical therapists' (PTs') experiences of learning and delivering a complex intervention, a tailored behavioral medicine treatment (BMT) targeting adolescents with pain in primary care. Method: An explorative study with qualitative approach, using content analysis. Three primary care PTs delivering the treatments in a randomized controlled study were interviewed regarding their views on the BMT. Results: The participating PTs considered learning about and delivering the BMT as challenging but rewarding. The biopsychosocial approach, tailoring of the treatment and dialogues with parents were identified as key aspects of the BMT program. The process of formulating a functional behavioral analysis was perceived as strenuous. The supervision of the PTs throughout the study was regarded as crucial and necessary for learning about and providing tailored BMT. Conclusion: Learning about and delivering BMT targeting adolescents with persistent pain is fruitful but laborious and demanding according to three PTs experienced with treatment of pediatric pain in primary care. Extensive education and long periods of supervision seem to be crucial for success and safe delivery according to protocol. ARTICLE HISTORY

Behavioral Medicine Physiotherapy in the Context of Return to Work for Chronic Pain: A Single-Case Experimental Design Study

“…A question arises about requirements of training, and barriers to a behavioral medicine treatment approach among physiotherapists. It is evident that physiotherapists' beliefs and attitudes affect treatment, and that there are challenges in implementation [81][82][83]. Apart from training, support in terms of supervision and manuals seems crucial [33,83,84].…”

“…It is evident that physiotherapists' beliefs and attitudes affect treatment, and that there are challenges in implementation [81][82][83]. Apart from training, support in terms of supervision and manuals seems crucial [33,83,84].…”

Psychologically informed health care

“…In the indirect mode, psychologists commit to integrating psychological principles into care provided by other health disciplines, and support other health care providers in delivering care in a psychologically informed way. Examples are behavioral consultations with cardiologists to address anxiety in patients who have experienced implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks [ 14 ], psychological counseling of oncologists on how to deal with emotional concerns in patients with cancer [ 15 ], or psychological training of physiotherapists in order to assess psychological risk factors in patients with pain and to achieve a sustained improvement in patients’ physical activity [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Implementing a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy for patients with musculoskeletal pain: a scoping review

“…There are few studies that explicitly describe the integrative concept of behavior medicine in physiotherapy, 25 , 29 , 48 and even fewer that describe its implementation. 18 , 24 A scoping review would highlight the key components, identify the limitations of the current interventions using a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy, and provide direction for further research in the field.…”