Students' attitudes, beliefs and perceptions surrounding 2SLGBTQIA + health education and inclusiveness in Canadian physiotherapy programs.

BACKGROUND: Patients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + report negative experiences with physiotherapy. The objectives were to evaluate student attitudes, beliefs and perceptions related to 2SLGBTQIA + health education and working with individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Canada and to evaluate physiotherapy program inclusiveness towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons. METHODS: We completed a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy students from Canadian institutions. We recruited students via email and social media from August-December 2021. Frequency results are presented with percentages. Logistic regression models (odds ratios [OR], 95%CI) were used to evaluate associations between demographics and training hours with feelings of preparedness and perceived program 2SLGBTQIA + inclusiveness. RESULTS: We obtained 150 survey responses (mean age = 25 years [range = 20 to 37]) from students where 35 (23%) self-identified as 2SLGBTQIA + . While most students (≥ 95%) showed positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + patients, only 20 students (13%) believed their physiotherapy program provided sufficient knowledge about 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness. Students believed more 2SLGBTQIA + training is needed (n = 137; 92%), believed training should be mandatory (n = 141; 94%) and were willing to engage in more training (n = 138; 92%). Around half believed their physiotherapy program (n = 80, 54%) and clinical placements (n = 75, 50%) were 2SLGBTQIA + -inclusive and their program instructors (n = 69, 46%) and clinical instructors (n = 47, 31%) used sex/gender-inclusive language. Discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons was witnessed 56 times by students and most (n = 136; 91%) reported at least one barrier to confronting these behaviours. Older students (OR = 0.89 [0.79 to 0.99]), individuals assigned female at birth (OR = 0.34 [0.15 to 0.77]), and students self-identifying as 2SLGBTQIA + (OR = 0.38 [0.15 to 0.94]) were less likely to believe their program was 2SLGBTQIA + inclusive. Older students (OR = 0.85 [0.76 to 0.94]) and 2SLGBTQIA + students (OR = 0.42 [0.23 to 0.76]) felt the same about their placements. Students who reported > 10 h of 2SLGBTQIA + training were more likely to believe their program was inclusive (OR = 3.18 [1.66 to 6.09]). CONCLUSIONS: Entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show positive attitudes towards working with 2SLGBTQIA + persons but believe exposure to 2SLGBTQIA + health and inclusiveness is insufficient in their physiotherapy programs. This suggests greater attention dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA + health would be valued.

Knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education amongst entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada: results of a nationwide, cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ report worse health outcomes than heterosexual/cisgender counterparts, in part due to poor experiences with healthcare professionals. This may stem from inadequate 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusiveness training in health professional student education. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusiveness for entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey with physiotherapy students from accredited Canadian physiotherapy programs. We administered the survey through Qualtrics and recruited students through targeted recruitment emails and social media posts on Twitter and Instagram between August and December 2021. Survey responses are reported as frequencies (percentage). We also completed multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate associations among question responses related to working with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (i.e., communication, feeling prepared and assessment competency). Covariates included training hours (< 10/10 + hours) and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity (yes/no). RESULTS: A total of 150 students responded to the survey, with 35 (23%) identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Many students felt confident in communicating effectively with clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (69%). However, only half (47%) felt comfortable assessing clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Routine practice of inclusive behaviours such as using pronouns, considering identities are fluid and a patient's gender identity and/or sexual orientation may shift from one visit to the next, and considering trauma-informed care practices were reported from less than half of the students (< 45%). Around 29% of students reported no 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their physiotherapy program, while 47% reported 0-10 hours, and 24% reported 10 + hours of training. Students with 10 + hours of training had 92% higher odds of feeling competent in assessing 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, compared to those with < 10 hours of training. CONCLUSIONS: Entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show a lack of understanding and awareness for 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusive behaviours which can meaningfully impact patient experience. Students report feeling incompetent when working with 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, which may be associated with lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their programs. Greater efforts and attention towards increasing 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusivity in Canadian entry-level physiotherapy programs is critically needed.

Defining Success in Transitions from Pediatric to Adult Chronic Pain Care: A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Perspectives of Young Adults Living with Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how young adults with chronic pain define a successful transition from pediatric to adult chronic pain care and how they would like to be empowered to achieve a successful transition. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative design. SETTING: Participants were recruited from a hospital-based chronic pain clinic in Toronto, Canada, and through social media. SUBJECTS: Young adults (18-25 years of age, inclusive) who received chronic pain care in a pediatric setting and continued to self-identify as having a need for chronic pain care in an adult chronic pain care setting. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were used to understand the perspectives of young adults with chronic pain. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy. Qualitative inductive content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: Eight young adults with chronic pain were interviewed (all women; median age=19 years). Five themes that addressed the study objectives are described: 1) Young adults value skill-building and knowledge about the transition, 2) establishment of a strong therapeutic alliance with health care providers, 3) coordinated and planned transition, 4) social and environmental support, and 5) respect for young adults' independence and autonomy. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest the need for a collaborative and individualized approach to the successful transition of young adults across the continuum of chronic pain care that addresses their unique needs. To promote successful transition, clinicians should build relationships with young adults that facilitate choice and autonomy while enhancing skill-building and education on available resources.

Pain-Related Fear in Adults Living With Chronic Pain: Development and Psychometric Validation of a Brief Form of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a brief version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) while preserving content validity in a mixed chronic pain population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care interdisciplinary chronic pain clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with chronic pain (N=933; mean age, 53.5±15.7 years; 63% women). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: TSK-11 measured at intake. Self-reported data from a patient registry were extracted from November 2017 to October 2019. RESULTS: An exploratory factor analysis identified a 2-factor structure from the TSK-11 and item reduction resulted in a 7-item TSK (TSK-7) with 61.2% explained variance and Cronbach's alphas of 0.76 and 0.70 for each of the 2 factors. To maximally reduce the number of items without affecting internal consistency, a 5-item TSK (TSK-5) with 72% explained variance was also explored. Strong correlations were found between the newly developed brief TSK versions and TSK-11 (r>0.93), suggesting good concurrent validity. TSK-11, TSK-7, and TSK-5 had similar convergent validity with moderate correlations for pain catastrophizing (r=0.57, 0.58, 0.54), depression (r=0.45, 0.46, 0.42), pain interference (r=0.43, 0.44, 0.40), and pain acceptance (r=-0.57, -0.59, -0.55). CONCLUSIONS: These 2 brief versions of the TSK may help to simplify questionnaires across chronic pain centers where multiple outcome measures are used for a complete biopsychosocial assessment of patients.

Interprofessional primary care during COVID-19: a survey of the provider perspective.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional primary care (IPC) teams provide comprehensive and coordinated care and are ideally equipped to support those populations most at risk of adverse health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including older adults, and patients with chronic physical and mental health conditions. There has been little focus on the experiences of healthcare teams and no studies have examined IPC practice during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to describe the state of interprofessional health provider practice within IPC teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional design. A web-based survey was deployed to IPC providers working in team-based primary care clinics in the province of Ontario, Canada. The survey included 26 close-ended and six open-ended questions. Close-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used to analyze the open-ended questions. RESULTS: 445 surveys were included in the final analysis. Service delivery shifted from in-person care (77% pre-COVID-19) to telephone (76.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic). Less than half of the respondents (40%) reported receiving any training for virtual delivery. Wait times to access team members were reported to have decreased. There has also been a shift in what IPC providers report as the most commonly seen conditions, with increases in visits related to mental health concerns, acute infections (including COVID-19), social isolation, and resource navigation. Respondents also reported a reduction in healthcare provision for multiple chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: IPC teams are rapidly shifting their practice to supporting their patients during the pandemic. A surge in mental health issues has been seen and is expected to continue to increase in response to COVID-19. Understanding early experiences can help plan for future pandemic waves.

Promoting Participation in Physical Activity and Exercise Among People Living with Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Study of Strategies Used by People with Pain and Their Recommendations for Health Care Providers.

OBJECTIVE: To explore strategies used by people living with chronic pain when participating in physical activity and exercise and their recommendations for health care providers when promoting participation in physical activity and exercise. DESIGN: Interpretive description qualitative study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from primary care sites and a hospital-based chronic pain clinic in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. SUBJECTS: Adults (>18 years of age) who self-identified as experiencing chronic pain (three months' duration) were interviewed. METHODS: In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed for accuracy by the interviewer. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Peer debriefing, reflexivity, and multiple in-person meetings were used to establish trustworthiness. RESULTS: Sixteen adults (five men, 11 women) with a median age of 53 years were interviewed. Strategies used by people living with chronic pain to participate in physical activity and exercise included 1) finding the motivation, 2) setting up for success, 3) leveraging social support, and 4) managing pain and discomfort during activity. Recommendations for health care providers when promoting participation in physical activity and exercise for people living with chronic pain included 1) the importance of listening, 2) providing tailored advice, 3) being supportive, and 4) making physical activity and exercise programming accessible. CONCLUSIONS: People living with chronic pain reported using multiple strategies to participate in physical activity and exercise. Recommendations for health care providers centered on the importance of listening and taking a supportive approach when promoting engagement in physical activity and exercise for this population.

Accessing care within team-based models of primary care for the management of chronic low back pain in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative study of patient experiences.

PURPOSE: To understand experiences accessing care within team-based primary care models among adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). MATERIALS & METHODS: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study and collected data using one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from publicly funded, team-based primary care models in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: We completed interviews with 16 adults with chronic LBP (9 women; median age of 66). Participants expressed a desire to access care from team-based models of primary care in hopes of alleviating pain and its impacts on daily life. Due to no direct out-of-pocket costs, co-location of healthcare providers, and the use of technology and virtual care, participants described an ease of accessing interprofessional care within team-based primary care models. Finally, participants described experiences with and expectations for timely access to care, being heard and understood by healthcare providers, and receiving coordinated care by an interprofessional team. CONCLUSIONS: Adults living with chronic LBP described overall positive experiences and specific expectations when accessing care within team-based models of primary care, whereby they experienced an ease of accessing interprofessional care with the hope of alleviating pain and its impacts. Results may be transferable to other chronic pain conditions and health system contexts.

Chronic low back pain is a prevalent and disabling health condition that requires comprehensive interprofessional care.Team-based models of primary care may provide an important avenue for patients to access recommended healthcare services, including rehabilitation, for the management of chronic low back pain.Participants in this research described an overall ease of accessing interprofessional care within team-based primary care models with the hope of alleviating pain and its impacts on daily life.Participants described experiences with and expectations for quality care, including timely access to care, being heard and understood by healthcare providers, and receiving a coordinated care plan by an interprofessional team.

Identifying competencies for an advanced practice physiotherapy role within an interprofessional chronic pain clinic.

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) models of care have shown success in access, safety, satisfaction, and care quality for musculoskeletal pain conditions in various settings. Yet, there is a gap in defining competencies for physiotherapists to be the initial point of contact for people with chronic pain. This study aims to identify and agree upon the competencies necessary for a physiotherapist to fulfill the role of an APP in an interprofessional chronic pain clinic. METHODS: Three focus groups were conducted using a Nominal Group Technique and a modified Delphi process. Consensus on the competency, defined as agreement by ≥ 75% of participants, was sought. RESULTS: Twenty-three experts (17 healthcare providers and six individuals with chronic pain) participated in the focus group discussions. Twenty completed the follow-up Delphi surveys. Ten essential competencies for an APP role in interprofessional chronic pain clinics were identified and achieved consensus: 1) use an evidence-based approach to practice; 2) communicate effectively with the patient; 3) perform a comprehensive assessment; 4) determine pain-related diagnoses; 5) develop therapeutic relationships; 6) provide appropriate care; 7) support patients through transitions in care; 8) collaborate with members of the interprofessional team; 9) advocate for the needs of the patients; and 10) use a reflective approach to practice. CONCLUSION: This study identified ten competencies essential for physiotherapists to fulfill an APP role within interprofessional chronic pain clinics. These competencies serve as a foundation for informing a training program and future research evaluating the effectiveness of the APP model in this setting.

Sensibility and measurement properties of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia to measure fear of movement in children and adults in surgical settings.

Purpose: Fear of movement, or kinesiophobia, is a risk factor for developing chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and may impede recovery. Identifying people with kinesiophobia peri-operatively is potentially valuable to intervene to optimize rehabilitation and prevent CPSP. This narrative review aims to describe and critically appraise the sensibility and measurement properties of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) in the surgical setting in both pediatric and adult populations.Material and methods: PubMed was searched for relevant articles using search terms related to the TSK and measurement properties; the search was restricted to articles published in English. COSMIN guidelines were used to rate measurement property sufficiency and study quality.Results: Four articles examined the measurement properties of the TSK-17 in the surgical setting. Included studies demonstrated sufficient internal consistency, structural validity, construct validity, but insufficient predictive validity. Study quality was variable. Although the TSK was not originally intended for the surgical setting, with minor modification, it appears sensible to use in this population.Conclusions: The TSK is a sensible tool to measure fear of movement in children and adults undergoing, or who underwent, surgery. Future studies are needed to test content validity, test-retest reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness in the surgical setting.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFear of movement is a predictor of developing chronic post-surgical pain in children and adults.Rehabilitation interventions can address fear of movement in hopes to optimize surgical outcomes and prevent chronic post-surgical pain.The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), with minor modification, is a sensible tool to measure fear of movement in surgical settings.There is some evidence that the TSK is reliable and valid to use with older children, adolescents, and adults who are undergoing or underwent surgery.

Delivering Team-Based Primary Care for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: An Interpretive Description Qualitative Study of Healthcare Provider Perspectives.

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and disabling health issue. Team-based models of primary care are ideally positioned to provide comprehensive care for patients with chronic LBP. A better understanding of primary care team perspectives can inform future efforts to improve how team-based care is provided for patients with chronic LBP in this practice setting. Aims: The aim of this study was to understand health care providers' experiences, perceived barriers and facilitators, and recommendations when providing team-based primary care for the management of chronic LBP. Methods: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study based on focus group discussions with health care providers from team-based primary care settings in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We conducted five focus groups with five different primary care teams, including a total of 31 health care providers. We constructed four themes (each with subthemes) related to experiences, perceived barriers and facilitators, and recommendations to providing team-based primary care for the management of chronic LBP, including (1) care pathways and models of service delivery, (2) team processes and organization, (3) team culture and environment, and (4) patient needs and readiness. Conclusions: Primary care teams are implementing diverse care pathways and models of service delivery for the management of patients with chronic LBP, which can be influenced by patient, team, and organizational factors. Results have potential implications for future research and practice innovations to improve how team-based primary care is delivered for patients with chronic LBP.

Contexte: La lombalgie chronique est un probléme de santé répandu et invalidant. Les modéles de soins primaires en équipe sont particuliérement bien placés pour dispenser des soins complets aux patients souffrant de lombalgie chronique. Une meilleure compréhension des perspectives de l'équipe de soins primaires peut éclairer les efforts futurs visant à améliorer la façon dont les soins en équipe sont dispensés aux patients atteints de lombalgie chronique dans ce cadre de pratique.Objectifs: L'objectif de cette étude était de comprendre les expériences des prestataires de soins de santé, les obstacles et les facilitateurs perçus, ainsi que les recommandations pour la prestation de soins primaires en équipe dans le cadre de la prise en charge de la lombalgie chronique.Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude qualitative de description interprétative basée sur des discussions de groupe avec des prestataires de soins de santé issus de milieux de soins primaires en équipe en Ontario, au Canada. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide d'une analyse thématique.Résultats: Nous avons organisé cinq groupes de discussion avec cinq équipes de soins primaires différentes, auxquels ont participé 31 prestataires de soins de santé. Nous avons construit quatre thémes (chacun avec des sous-thémes) liés aux expériences, aux obstacles et aux facilitateurs perçus, ainsi qu'aux recommandations relatives à la prestation de services primaires en équipe pour la prise en charge de la lombalgie chronique, y compris (1) les parcours de soins et les modéles de prestation de services, (2) les processus et l'organisation de l'équipe, (3) la culture et l'environnement de l'équipe, et (4) les besoins des patients et leur état de préparation.Conclusions: Les équipes de soins primaires mettent en œuvre divers parcours de soins et modéles de prestation de services pour la prise en charge des patients atteints de lombalgie chronique, qui peuvent être influencés par des facteurs liés au patient, à l'équipe et à l'organisation. Les résultats ont des implications potentielles pour la recherche future et les innovations dans la pratique afin d'améliorer la façon dont les soins primaires en équipe sont dispensés aux patients atteints de lombalgie chronique.

Virtual care exercise interventions in multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics: a qualitative study of perspectives of adults living with chronic pain.

PURPOSE: Chronic pain affects 1 in 4 Canadians and is a leading contributor of disability. Although virtual care has become more prevalent, it is unclear how adults living with chronic pain perceive virtual delivery of exercise interventions within multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics (MCPC). This study explores the perspectives of adults living with chronic pain regarding their perceived barriers and facilitators and recommendations when implementing virtual care exercise interventions within MCPCs. METHODS: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with adults (age ≥18 years) living with chronic pain from a MCPC in Toronto, Canada, between March 1 and April 30, 2021. RESULTS: We completed fifteen (N = 15) interviews of adults living with chronic pain. We identified eight themes that addressed the study objectives: 1) virtual care supplements in-person care, 2) virtual care improves accessibility, 3) impact of technology on participation, 4) navigating the home environment, 5) impact of pain on participation, 6) impact of supervision and feedback, 7) the need for tailored care, and 8) the need for preparation and additional support. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that adults living with chronic pain view virtual care exercise interventions positively however, the implementation of these interventions must be carefully considered within MCPCs. Specifically, virtual care was considered an excellent adjunct to in-person care but should not replace it completely.Implications for RehabilitationChronic pain is a leading contributor of disability.Exercise interventions are recommended component of comprehensive pain management.Virtual delivery of exercise interventions are becoming more prevalent.Adults living with chronic pain view virtual care exercise interventions positively as they can supplement in-person care and improve access to this type of care.

Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for the management of upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions. An updated systematic review with meta-analyses.

PURPOSE: To critically appraise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and quantify the effects of IASTM compared with other treatment in individuals with or without pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We search four electronic databases from January 1999 to January 2022 and included RCTs of healthy participants/athletes and people with upper, lower, or spinal conditions, who received IASTM versus other active treatment for clinical outcomes (function, pain, and range of motion). RESULTS: Forty-six RCTs were considered eligible for data analysis. Effects of IASTM plus other treatment versus other treatment on function and pain intensity were not statistically significant or clinically meaningful (very low quality, SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.09) and (very low quality, SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.43) at up to one-year follow-up respectively. No clinically meaningful improvements were found on range of motion outcomes. Out of the 46 included RCTs, only 10 assessed and reported IASTM-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Evidence of very low-quality certainty does not support the efficacy of IASTM in individuals with or without various pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion in the management of upper body, lower body, or spinal conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe included RCTs had a high risk of bias and were assessed as very-low quality evidence for all the included outcomes.IASTM does not lead to clinically meaningful improvements in function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.The publication of IASTM trials in suspected predatory journals is increasing.The available evidence on IASTM does not support its use to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.Health care practitioners should consider other evidence-based management strategies (physical activity and exercise) to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.Given the rise of publications on IASTM in suspected predatory journals, health care practitioners should be judicious to examine the legitimacy of a journal when searching for evidence on IASTM treatment technique.

Assessing the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate an advanced practice physiotherapy model of care in chronic pain management: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain management is challenging for health systems worldwide. Clinical practice guidelines recommend interprofessional chronic pain management, but chronic pain clinics often have lengthy wait-lists. Advanced practice physiotherapists (APP) in orthopedic clinics and emergency departments have provided effective care and reduced wait times. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of integrating an APP into a chronic pain clinic setting. The primary objectives are as follows: (1) determine the feasibility of implementing trial methods by evaluating participant recruitment rates, retention, and assessment completion; (2) determine the feasibility of implementing the APP model of care by monitoring care provided and treatment fidelity; and (3) assess contextual factors that may influence implementation of the APP model of care by exploring the perspectives of patient participants and healthcare providers related to the model of care. METHODS: This will be a single-arm feasibility study with embedded qualitative interviews to assess contextual factors influencing implementation by exploring participant and provider perspectives. Approximately 40 adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain referred for care at an interprofessional chronic pain clinic will be invited to participate in the feasibility study. Approximately 10-12 patient participants and 5-10 health professionals from the interprofessional team will be interviewed using an interpretive description approach. The APP model of care will involve participants seeing a physiotherapist as the first point of contact within the interprofessional team. The APP will complete an initial assessment and make care recommendations. Outcome measures planned for the full trial will be reported descriptively, including pain severity, pain interference, health-related quality of life, psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain, treatment satisfaction, perceived change, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs over one year. DISCUSSION: This study will inform plans to implement a full-scale study to evaluate the impact of an APP model of care in an interprofessional chronic pain management program. The results of the full study are intended to inform stakeholders considering this model to improve patient-centered and health system outcomes in interprofessional pain management program settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05336903 (Registered April 5, 2022).

Implementing a Virtual Care Clinical Placement for a Physiotherapy Student in a Hospital-Based Chronic Pain Programme.

Purpose: The aim of this case report was to determine the experiences and outcomes of implementing a part-time virtual care clinical placement for a physiotherapy student in a hospital-based chronic pain programme. Client Description: Three participants were involved in this clinical placement: an entry-level physiotherapy student, a physiotherapy clinical instructor, and an academic coordinator of clinical education from a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) programme. Intervention: We implemented a part-time 40-hour virtual care clinical placement (10 h/wk for 4 wk) in a publicly funded chronic pain programme at Kingston Health Sciences Centre for an MScPT student from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Measures and Outcome: The student's performance was evaluated by the clinical instructor using learning goals and the Canadian Physiotherapy Assessment of Clinical Performance. The participants also provided reflections on their experiences in their respective roles. The student achieved the learning goals and demonstrated competency at the level required for a senior-level placement. Overall reflections on the virtual care clinical placement were positive, with a few key challenges. Implications: Novel clinical placement opportunities can help prepare physiotherapy students for emerging practice experiences. This case report provides insight into one such experience.

Objectif : déterminer les expériences et les résultats découlant de l'adoption d'un stage clinique virtuel à temps partiel dans un programme de douleur chronique en milieu hospitalier pour un étudiant en physiothérapie. Description du client : trois participants ont fait ce stage clinique : un étudiant au premier échelon en physiothérapie, un moniteur clinique en physiothérapie et un coordonnateur universitaire de l'enseignement clinique dans un programme de maîtrise en physiothérapie (M. pht.). Intervention : les auteurs ont mis sur pied un stage clinique en soins virtuels à temps partiel de 40 heures (dix heures par semaine pendant quatre semaines) dans un programme de douleur chronique public du Kingston Health Sciences Centre pour un étudiant à la maîtrise en physiothérapie de l'Université Queen's à Kingston, en Ontario. Mesures et résultats : le moniteur clinique a évalué la performance de l'étudiant au moyen d'objectifs d'apprentissage et de l'Évaluation physiothérapique canadienne de la performance clinique. Les participants ont également fait part de leurs réflexions sur leur expérience dans leurs rôles respectifs. L'étudiant a réalisé ses objectifs d'apprentissage et fait preuve de la compétence requise pour un stage avancé. Les réflexions générales sur le stage clinique en soins virtuels ont été positives, malgré quelques difficultés essentielles. Conséquences : de nouvelles possibilités de stage clinique peuvent contribuer à préparer les étudiants en physiothérapie pour ces expériences de pratique émergentes. Le présent rapport de cas donne un aperçu de cette expérience.

Implementing a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for low back pain: a qualitative study of patient and primary care team perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits and is the leading contributor to years lived with disability worldwide. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of patients and primary care team members related to their experiences with a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for LBP. METHODS: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study. Data were collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants included adults (> 18 years of age) with LBP and primary care team members who participated in a physiotherapist-led primary care model for LBP in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with patients with LBP (10 women; median age of 52) as well as three focus group discussions with a total of 20 primary care team members representing three teams. Four themes (each with sub-themes) were constructed: 1) enhanced primary care delivery for LBP (improved access and engagement in physiotherapy care, improved communication and care integration between the physiotherapist and primary care team, less inappropriate use of healthcare resources); 2) positive patient experiences and perceived outcomes with the new model of care (physiotherapist built therapeutic alliance, physiotherapist provided comprehensive care, improved confidence in managing LBP, decreased impact of pain on daily life); 3) positive primary care team experiences with the new model of care (physiotherapist fit well within the primary care team, physiotherapist provided expertise on LBP for the primary care team, satisfaction in being able to offer a needed service for patients); and 4) challenges implementing the new model of care (challenges with prompt access to physiotherapy care, challenges making the physiotherapist the first contact for LBP, and opportunities to optimize communication between the physiotherapist and primary care team). CONCLUSIONS: A new physiotherapist-led primary care model for LBP was described by patients and primary care team members as contributing to positive experiences and perceived outcomes for patients, primary care team members, and potentially the health system more broadly. Results suggest that this model of care may be a viable approach to support integrated and guideline adherent management of LBP in primary care settings.

Physiotherapy Practice in Primary Health Care: A Survey of Physiotherapists in Team-Based Primary Care Organizations in Ontario.

Purpose: This study describes (1) the current state of physiotherapy practice in team-based primary care organizations in Ontario, (2) the perceived barriers to and facilitators of providing physiotherapy services, and (3) recommendations for improving how these services are provided. Method: This was a cross-sectional, web-based survey. We analyzed the responses using descriptive statistics and summative content analysis. Results: A total of 66 responses were received, and 61 were included in the final analysis. The respondents reported that most of their practice was directed toward musculoskeletal care, followed by multi-system, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions, and that most of their direct patient care was focused on in-person, one-to-one assessment or follow-up. Frequently identified barriers to providing physiotherapy services included a lack of space, resources, time, and equipment. The most common facilitators were support from management, recognition and support from other health care providers about the value and role of physiotherapists, and appropriate referrals from other health care providers. The most common recommendation was to increase the physiotherapist-to-patient ratio at primary care sites. Conclusions: Physiotherapists provide care to diverse populations in team-based primary care, which is influenced by specific barriers and facilitators. Our results highlight opportunities for physiotherapists in this context, such as increasing the provision of first-contact care and group-based interventions.

Objectif : décrire 1) l'état actuel de la pratique de la physiothérapie dans les organisations de soins de première ligne en équipe de l'Ontario; 2) les obstacles et les incitations perçus à la prestation des services de physiothérapie et 3) les recommandations pour améliorer le mode de prestation de ces services. Méthodologie : sondage transversal en ligne. Les chercheurs ont évalué les réponses au moyen de l'analyse des statistiques descriptives et du contenu sommatif. Résultats : les chercheurs ont reçu 66 réponses et en ont retenu 61 dans l'analyse définitive. Les répondants ont indiqué que la majorité de leur pratique était axée sur les soins musculosquelettiques, suivie par les affections multisystémiques, neurologiques et cardiorespiratoires, et que la plupart des soins directs aux patients prenaient la forme d'évaluations en personne, d'évaluations individuelles ou de suivis. Les obstacles fréquents à la prestation des services de physiothérapie incluaient le manque d'espace, de ressources, de temps et d'équipement. Les principales incitations étaient le soutien de la direction, la reconnaissance et le soutien des autres travailleurs de la santé quant à l'importance et au rôle des physiothérapeutes et des envois appropriés en physiothérapie de la part des autres travailleurs de la santé. Les recommandations les plus courantes consistaient à accroître le ratio entre le physiothérapeute et les patients dans les établissements de soins de première ligne. Conclusions : les physiothérapeutes donnent des soins à des populations diversifiées dans des équipes de soins de première ligne, lesquels sont influencés par des obstacles et des incitatifs particuliers. Les résultats font ressortir les possibilités qui s'offrent aux physiothérapeutes dans ce contexte, telles que l'accroissement de la prestation de soins de premier contact et d'interventions de groupe.

The State of Patient Engagement among Pain Research Trainees in Canada: Results of a National Web-Based Survey.

Background: Patient engagement (PE) in research refers to partnering with people with lived experience (e.g., patients, caregivers, family) as collaborators in the research process. Although PE is increasingly being recognized as an important aspect of health research, the current state of PE among pain research trainees in Canada is unclear. Aims: The aims of this study were to describe perspectives about and experiences with PE among trainees conducting pain research in Canada, to identify perceived barriers and facilitators, and to describe recommendations to improve its implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey (English and French) was administered to trainees at any level conducting pain research at any Canadian academic institution. Results: A total of 128 responses were received; 115 responses were complete and included in the final analysis. The majority of respondents identified as women (90/115; 78.3%), in graduate school (83/115; 72.2%), and conducting clinical pain research (83/115; 72.2%). Most respondents (103/115; 89.6%) indicated that PE is "very" or "extremely" important. Despite this, only a minority of respondents (23/111; 20.7%) indicated that they "often" or "always" implement PE within their own research. The most common barrier identified was lack of knowledge regarding the practical implementation of PE, and understanding its positive value was the most commonly reported facilitator. Recommendations for improving the implementation of PE were diverse. Conclusions: Despite viewing PE as important in research, a minority of pain research trainees regularly implement PE. Results highlight perceived barriers and facilitators to PE and provide insight to inform the development of future training and other enabling initiatives.

Contexte: L'engagement des patients dans la recherche fait référence au partenariat avec des personnes ayant une expérience vécue (p. ex. des patients, des soignants ou des membres de la famille) en tant que collaborateurs dans le processus de recherche. Bien que l'engagement des patients soit de plus en plus reconnu comme un aspect important de la recherche en santé, son état actuel chez les stagiaires en recherche sur la douleur au Canada n'est pas clair.Objectif: Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de décrire les points de vue et les expériences sur l'engagement des patients chez les stagiaires menant des études sur la douleur au Canada, de recenser les obstacles et les facilitateurs perçus et de formuler des recommandations pour améliorer sa mise en œuvre.Méthodes: Une enquête transversale sur le Web (en anglais et en français) a été menée auprès des stagiaires de tout niveau menant des études sur la douleur dans n'importe quel établissement universitaire canadien.Résultats: Au total, 128 réponses ont été reçues; 115 réponses étaient complètes et ont été incluses dans l'analyse finale. La majorité des répondants ont indiqué qu'elles étaient des femmes (90/115; 78,3 %), qu'elles étaient inscrites aux cycles supérieures (83/115 ; 72,2 %) et qu'elles effectuaient des études cliniques sur la douleur (83/115 ; 72,2 %). La plupart des répondants (103/115 ; 89,6 %) ont indiqué que l'engagement était « très ¼ ou « extrêmement ¼ important. Malgré cela, seule une minorité de répondants (23/111; 20,7 %) ont indiqué qu'ils mettaient en œuvre l'engagement des patients « souvent ¼ ou « toujours ¼ dans leur propre recherche. L'obstacle le plus fréquemment énoncé était le manque de connaissances concernant la mise en œuvre pratique de l'engagement des patients, et la compréhension de sa valeur positive était le facilitateur le plus souvent signalé. Les recommandations visant à améliorer la mise en œuvre de l'engagement des patients étaient diverses.Conclusions: Bien que l'engagement des patients soit considéré comme important dans la recherche, une minorité de stagiaires en recherche sur la douleur le mettent régulièrement en œuvre. Les résultats mettent en évidence les obstacles et les facilitateurs perçus pour l'engagement des patients et fournissent un aperçu pour éclairer l'élaboration de la formation future et d'autres initiatives habilitantes.

Examining the Utility of the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) in Clinical Practice: Perspectives of People Living with HIV and Healthcare Providers.

Our aim was to examine the utility of the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ), a patient-reported outcome measure for use in clinical practice from the perspectives of people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthcare providers. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Fifteen PLWH and five healthcare providers participated in an interview, of which ten PLWH participated in a follow-up focus group discussion. The HDQ has value in clinical practice, including its role in assessing disability, facilitating communication, tailoring treatments, and guiding referrals. Strengths of the HDQ included its comprehensiveness, relevance of domains, and importance of specific items. Concerns related to length of the HDQ, the potential for some items to trigger emotional response, and negative connotations with the term 'disability.' Recommendations for HDQ implementation included the importance of score interpretability, shortening the questionnaire, and tailoring administration to the individual. Results suggest the HDQ possesses clinical utility with PLWH and healthcare providers.

Experiences, barriers, and facilitators to participating in physical activity and exercise in adults living with chronic pain: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators to participating in physical activity and exercise in adults living with chronic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interpretive description qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Participants included adults living with chronic pain (pain >3 months in duration). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen participants (five men; 11 women) with a median age of 53 years (range: 28-87) were interviewed. Three major themes related to physical activity and exercise in adults living with chronic pain were conceptualized by the researchers: the challenge of staying active (decreased activity levels, discomfort during physical activity, and uncertain and fluctuating abilities); diverse factors influence participation (pain, fatigue, perceived risks, beliefs about physical activity, competing demands, social support, motivation, other health conditions, and access to supports for physical activity or exercise); and perceived outcomes (pain management, functional improvements, social participation, mental health, and overall well-being). CONCLUSIONS: Participating in physical activity and exercise was a challenge for adults living with chronic pain, whereby participation was influenced by multiple factors. Rehabilitation providers should aim to reduce modifiable barriers to physical activity and exercise for adults living with chronic pain, with the goal of improving health outcomes for this population.Implications for rehabilitationDespite the perceived benefits, participation in physical activity and exercise is a challenge for adults living with chronic pain.Diverse factors can influence participation in physical activity and exercise from the perspective of adults living with chronic pain.Rehabilitation providers should aim to reduce modifiable barriers to physical activity and exercise for adults living with chronic pain.Results can be used to inform future person-oriented physical activity and exercise interventions for adults living with chronic pain.

Physiotherapists' Experiences with and Perspectives on Implementing an Evidence-Based, Chronic Pain Self-Management Programme in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Evidence suggests that a physiotherapist-led chronic pain self-management programme in primary health care (PHC) improves function for people living with chronic pain; however, implementing a new approach to care can be difficult. In this study, we sought to understand the experiences of physiotherapists who had implemented the ChrOnic pain self-ManageMent support with pain science EducatioN and exerCisE (COMMENCE) programme; its perceived barriers, facilitators, benefits, and drawbacks; and how the physiotherapists tailored the programme to their own clinical contexts. Method: This interpretive description qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists who had implemented the COMMENCE programme in PHC. Results: Themes from 11 interviews included experiences of personal and professional growth, increasing confidence with experience, and changing the culture of pain management. Barriers and drawbacks to implementation included resource intensiveness, balancing programme demands with other clinical work, and challenges with patient attendance and participation. Facilitators included training, programme design and materials, supportive teams, and previous knowledge. Benefits included offering group and individualized support, evidence-based content, and sparking interest in learning more about pain management. The participants made small changes to tailor the programme content and delivery to their context. Conclusions: This study provides a rich understanding of the experiences, barriers, facilitators, benefits, drawbacks, and tailoring related to the COMMENCE programme in PHC. The results will facilitate future implementation of this intervention in PHC settings.

Objectif : selon les données probantes, un programme d'autogestion de la douleur chronique dirigé par un physiothérapeute en soins primaires améliore la fonction des personnes qui vivent avec la douleur chronique, mais il peut être difficile de mettre en œuvre une nouvelle approche des soins. La présente étude visait à comprendre les expériences des physiothérapeutes qui avaient créé le programme COMMENCE (acronyme anglais pour soutien pour l'autoprise en charge de la douleur chronique par l'éducation et l'exercice de la science de la douleur), les obstacles perçus, les incitations, les avantages et les inconvénients, de même que l'adaptation du programme aux contextes cliniques. Méthodologie : étude qualitative par description interprétative faisant appel à des entrevues semi-structurées auprès de physiothérapeutes qui avaient mis en œuvre le programme COMMENCE en soins primaires. Résultats : les thèmes des 11 entrevues portaient sur les expériences de croissance personnelle et professionnelle, l'augmentation de la confiance grâce à l'expérience et le changement de la culture de gestion de la douleur. Les obstacles ou les écueils de mise en œuvre incluaient l'intensité de ressources nécessaires, l'équilibre entre les exigences du programme et le reste du travail clinique et les difficultés relatives à l'assiduité et à la participation des patients. Les incitations incluaient la formation, la conception et le matériel du programme, les équipes solidaires et les connaissances antérieures. Les avantages incluaient l'offre d'un soutien collectif et individuel, le contenu fondé sur des données probantes et l'intérêt à en apprendre davantage sur la gestion de la douleur. Les participants ont apporté de petits changements pour adapter le contenu et la prestation du programme à leur contexte personnel. Conclusions : la présente étude fournit de riches données sur les expériences, les obstacles, les incitations, les avantages, les écueils et l'adaptation du programme COMMENCE en soins primaires. Les résultats faciliteront la future mise en œuvre de cette intervention en soins primaires.