Physiotherapists perceived role in managing anxiety in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background Anxiety is common for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and is higher in those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and in community-based samples. Anxiety can impact self-efficacy, pain, fatigue, engagement in physical activity and treatment adherence, all of which influence the rehabilitation process. Little is known about how physiotherapists manage anxiety in PwMS and the challenges associated with anxiety throughout the rehabilitation process, in community and outpatient settings. Methods A mixed-methods design, combining a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with UK-physiotherapists, was used to answer the research question. To inform the qualitative study, a cross-sectional survey collected data from physiotherapists working in neurology to understand the impact and management of anxiety in people with MS (PwMS) during rehabilitation. Analysis used descriptive statistics and the findings formed the interview guide. Semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists explored barriers and facilitators to managing anxiety in PwMS in community and outpatient settings, identified perceived physiotherapy training needs and offered suggestions to develop physiotherapy research and practice. Themes were derived inductively. Results The survey suggested how PwMS present with anxiety, its impact during rehabilitation, physiotherapy management practices, and physiotherapist skills and training needs. Five semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists expanded on the survey findings and identified five main themes: Understanding the MS journey, modifying assessment and treatment, anxiety management toolbox, lagging behind Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, and gaining knowledge and skills. Conclusion Physiotherapists encounter anxiety in PwMS in community and outpatient rehabilitation and perceive they have a role in managing it as it presents. Facilitators included communication, listening skills and opportunities to develop strong therapeutic relationships. Poor training and support, lack of clinical guidelines and limited research evidence were considered barriers. Clinically relevant learning opportunities, interprofessional working, and greater support through clinical supervision is recommended to better develop physiotherapy practice.

Physiotherapists Lack Knowledge in Mental Health: A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes of Physical Therapists About Their Role in Mental Health

“…Similarly, the results of Hooblau et al’s 17 study mirror our findings, demonstrating that public sector physiotherapists in KwaZulu-Natal exhibited good attitudes towards managing people living with mental illness and mental health. Moreover, and aligning with our findings, Lucas and Parker’s 27 results showed that in outpatient and community rehabilitation settings, physiotherapists dealt with anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis and believed they could help when it manifested.…”

“…Dandridge et al 29 conducted a survey of physiotherapy students’ experiences and attitudes toward treating individuals with mental illness and found that students felt that they needed more education and training in this area. Similarly, Lucas and Parker 27 conducted a mixed-methods study on the perceived role of physiotherapists in managing anxiety in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and found that physiotherapists’ perceived role in managing anxiety was limited due to a lack of training and experience. The findings of the current study are consistent with those of these previous studies and highlight the need for more emphasis on the education and training of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, in managing the physical health problems of patients with mental illness.…”