Feasibility of a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community after stroke (SIMS): A mixed-methods pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community for stroke survivors. METHODS: A two-phase sequential mixed methods design was used (a pilot randomised controlled trial and focus groups). Participants were adult stroke survivors within six months post discharge from hospital with functional and cognitive capacity for self-management. The intervention included education sessions, goal setting and action planning, group sessions, self-monitoring and follow up. The control group received usual care and both groups enrolled for 3 months in the study. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, randomisation and blinding, adherence to the intervention, collection of outcome measures, and the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention). Participants assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months for functional mobility and walking, self-efficacy, goal attainment, cognitive ability, and general health. A descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative data. Findings of quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to present the final results of the study. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomised into two groups (12 each). It was feasible to recruit from hospital and community and to deliver the intervention remotely. Randomisation and blinding were successful. Participants were retained (83%) at 3 months and (79.2%) at 6 months assessments. Adherence to the intervention varied due to multiple factors. Focus groups discussed participants' motivations for joining the programme, their perspectives on the intervention (fidelity and acceptability) and methodology, perceived improvements in mobility, facilitators and challenges for self-management, and suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSION: The self-management intervention seems feasible for implementation for stroke survivors in the community. Participants appreciated the support provided and perceived improvement in their mobility. The study was not powered enough to draw a conclusion about the efficacy of the program and a future full-scale study is warranted.

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy Propels the Fibromyalgia Patient into the Recomposition Phase: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has identified great promise for the novel whole-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). However, currently no evidence has documented the experiences of participants. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess treatment experience and response in a group of participants with FM undergoing a course of whole-body PBMT. METHODS: An interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological study situated within the worldview of pragmatism was undertaken. A convenience sample of individuals with FM were included if they had undertaken a novel 6-week trial of PBMT. Individuals undertook semi-structured interviews exploring treatment experience and multidimensional treatment responses during Week 3 and Week 6. RESULTS: Sixteen trial participants (47.3 ± 10.9 years) took part in this study. The analysis produced three overarching themes that were previously identified from a baseline study (namely, 'Body Structure & Function', 'Activities & Participation', and 'Environment') with an additional five sub-themes that highlighted the intervention experience. Subsequently, four important processes were observed and identified: increased motivation; feeling proud; improved confidence; feeling like 'old self'. This ultimately culminated in the identification of a positive spiral, which we have termed 'recomposition'. CONCLUSIONS: We believe our study is the first in the field of chronic pain management to utilise qualitative methodology to directly assess the acceptability and efficacy of a specific medical intervention in a clinical trial, and the first study to qualitatively assess whole-body PBMT experience. The findings are compelling and warrant further work to support the introduction of this device into the National Health Service (NHS).

The biopsychosocial factors associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. An umbrella review and meta-analysis of observational systematic reviews.

AIM: The aim of this umbrella review was to establish which biopsychosocial factors are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PEDro, PROSPERO, Google Scholar and grey literature were searched from database inception to 4th April 2023. Systematic reviews of observational prospective longitudinal studies, including populations with <3 months (not chronic) musculoskeletal pain, investigating biopsychosocial factors that contribute to development of chronic (>3 months) musculoskeletal pain. Two reviewers searched the literature, assessed risk of bias (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2), and evaluated quality (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to provide an overall statement on the certainty of evidence for each biopsychosocial factor. Data analysis was performed through random effects meta-analysis (including meta-analysis of meta-analyses where possible) and descriptive synthesis. RESULTS: 13 systematic reviews were included comprising 185 original research studies (n = 489,644 participants). Thirty-four biopsychosocial factors are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Meta-analyses of odds and/or likelihood ratios were possible for 25 biopsychosocial factors. There is moderate certainty evidence that smoking (OR 1.24 [95%CI, 1.14-1.34), fear avoidance (LR+ 2.11 [95%CI, 1.59-2.8]; LR- 0.5 [95%CI, 0.35-0.71]) poorer support networks (OR 1.21 [95%CI, 1.14-1.29]), lower socioeconomic status (OR 2.0 [95%CI, 1.64-2.42]), and high levels of pain (OR 5.61 [95%CI, 3.74-8.43]) are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain (all P<0.001). Remaining factors are of low or very low certainty evidence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is moderate certainty evidence that smoking, fear avoidance, poorer support networks, lower socioeconomic status, and high levels of pain are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. High risk of bias was evident in most included reviews; this highlights the need for higher quality systematic reviews.

The Fibromyalgia Decomposition Phenomenon: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Research is needed that can provide an illustration of the different biopsychosocial and environmental experiences of people with fibromyalgia to consider how healthcare professionals can best engage with the challenges that are faced. Qualitative research is well-positioned to do this. The current study used interpretive hermeneutic phenomenology situated within a pragmatic worldview, the aim being to obtain a deeper exploration of the fibromyalgia experience prior to commencing a novel intervention. A purposive sample of individuals with fibromyalgia were selected to undertake a single interview. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis. The themes identified key processes of the experience. A total of 16 participants (mean age: 47.1 years) took part. Three themes and 15 sub-themes were identified, together with a process linking different experiences together. The research from this small cohort provides a clear identification of multiple components influencing the experience of fibromyalgia and the decisions around lifestyle and choices made. From this, a novel decomposition/recomposition spiral has been identified, which will benefit patients and healthcare professionals alike. An earlier diagnosis and, thus, earlier and broader treatment options can help to improve functional outcomes.

Improving balance in community-dwelling elders using trained volunteers within faith-based institutions: a mixed methods feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a volunteer-led balance programme for older adults. METHODS: A feasibility cluster RCT with focus groups were conducted in faith-based institutions. Eligibility criteria were: participants were ≥65 years, able to do five times sit -to-stand, had no falls in the previous six months and had good mental capacity. The intervention included supervised group exercises and exercise booklets for six months, education and a fall poster. Assessments included, TUG, MCTSiB, FTST, FES, mABC, OPQoL and DGLS at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Feasibility measures included numbers of volunteers, sessions, and volunteers" time commitment, views of participants about sustainability of program using qualitative focus groups and volunteers' ability to deliver programme. RESULTS: Three churches participated with 31 participants in each group. Participants had a mean age of 77.3 years, were 100% British, and 79% female. The sample size estimate for a future trial using TUG, was 79 per group. Focus groups showed perceived social and physical improvements in participants, need to extend the programme to the wider community, and increased confidence, participation and socialisation. CONCLUSION: The community-based balance training in faith-based institutions, was feasible and acceptable in one geographical area and requires evaluation in cohesive diverse communities.Implications for RehabilitationIf an institution or a community is united through faith, culture, national roots, or tradition, then these groups are ideal for such balance rehabilitation programmes, because of the familiarity of the location and people, cohesive culture or their ideology to help their communities.Participants and volunteers perceived improved participation, confidence and socialisation and were keen to continue programme.It is important to develop community-based falls prevention programmes that the National Health Service (NHS) can partially support using volunteers to reduce the burden of falls in the community and for the NHS.

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Feasibility Trial.

Effective treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) is lacking and further treatment options are needed. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) represents one potential treatment option. Whilst favourable findings have been reported using localised PBMT, no investigations have established the value of whole-body PBMT for the complete set of symptom domains in FM. A single-arm feasibility study was conducted in accordance with CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. A non-probability sampling method was used to access individuals with FM. The primary outcome measure was identified as the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). Forty-nine participants were screened and twenty-one trial participants entered the trial. Nineteen participants completed the intervention (18 whole-body PBMT sessions over approximately six weeks). Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis was undertaken to represent feasibility outcomes. Acceptability of the trial device and processes were established. Outcome measures towards efficacy data were guided by core and peripheral OMERACT (outcomes measures in rheumatological clinical trials) domains, utilising a combination of participant-reported and performance-based outcome measures. Data for the embedded qualitative component of the trial were captured by participant-reported experience measures and audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Positive changes were observed for FM-specific quality of life, pain, tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment. Patient global assessment revealed improvements at 6 weeks, with continued effect at 24 weeks. FM-specific quality of life at 24 weeks remained improved compared with baseline scores. The findings provided evidence to support a full-scale trial and showed promise regarding potential efficacy of this novel non-invasive treatment in an FM population.

Exploring the needs of stroke patients after discharge from rehabilitation centres in Saudi Arabian communities: An IPA qualitative exploratory study design.

There are about 29 strokes per 100,000 people, annually, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These patients require long-term rehabilitation services to enhance recovery and independence in the community. Currently there are limited long-term rehabilitation services in KSA and research is needed to establish pathways for provision of community-based rehabilitation (CBR). To develop effective new CBR models, understanding the experiences and needs of stroke patients in KSA who have undergone poststroke care services is essential. This study aims to gain insight into stroke patients' needs after their discharge from rehabilitation centres in Saudi Arabia. An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews. Participants were eligible if they had a stroke, completed their in-hospital rehabilitation sessions and had been discharged within the past three years. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using interview guides. Transcripts were translated and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Twenty-four (15 males and 9 females) participants were recruited from two hospitals in KSA. The key findings suggested that patients experienced limited community rehabilitation services postdischarge unless they were financially able to pay for private therapy. Coping barriers including Medical, Psychological, Social, and Financial and facilitators including Faith, Recovery, Social support and leisure were identified. Participants suggested strategies to improve services within hospital and community for rehabilitation, needs of staff, access to services and ongoing care. Further work is required to develop, implement and evaluate a community rehabilitation intervention that includes education, and self-management elements to support stroke survivors in the community in KSA.

Factors Influencing Participation in Physical Activity, Sports, and Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Spinal Pain or Spinal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is an effective treatment for paediatric spinal pain. However, participation rates remain low and review evidence is needed to establish why. This review identifies factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in those aged 18 or under with spinal pain or spinal conditions. Trends or differences between discrete sub-populations are identified. METHODS: A meta-ethnographic review was undertaken. Qualitative papers were identified and appraised using the JBI checklist. Thematic trends were mapped onto the biopsychosocial model and subthemes identified. Uniqueness was calculated and the confidence in the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE-CERQual tool. RESULTS: Data were gathered from nine qualitative papers (384 participants). Three themes were identified: (1) biological: physical challenges and bladder and bowel care; (2) psychological: perceptions of differences to peers, struggle, anger, sadness, adjustment, and acceptance; and (3) sociological: influence of friends, social acceptance, negative attitudes from others, and the influence of their disability on family routine. CONCLUSIONS: Sociological factors were most influential on exercise participation alongside related psychological and biological factors. Adolescents over 14 years offered greater critical insight compared to the younger children. Results are best applied to neuromuscular conditions with further robust evidence required in paediatric musculoskeletal spinal pain.

Overcoming the monster! Perceptions of physiotherapy students regarding the use of stroke master plots for building therapeutic relationships; a vignette study.

BACKGROUND: Narrative master plots identify illness stories which are recognisable within clinical settings. Responses to different master plots by physiotherapy students can lack empathy and need to be understood further. One narrative master plot for people with stroke that has not been well studied is called 'overcoming the monster'. Research is needed to understand physiotherapy students' reactions to this master plot. OBJECTIVE: To examine the responses of physiotherapy students to three variations of the master plot called 'overcoming the monster' generated from patients who have had a stroke. METHODS: A qualitative narrative vignette study was undertaken. A university in the West Midlands (England) was used to access physiotherapy students on the pre-registration programs. A purposive sample of students volunteered to complete a single vignette questionnaire at one time point. The vignette provided three unique examples of the master plot overcoming the monster as told by people with stroke. Students responded to each by asking specific questions that captured demographic information and questions that captured reactions to the different versions of the master plot. Categorical-content narrative analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Thirty-two first year (BSc) students, thirty-nine first year (pre-registration) MSc students and nineteen third year (BSc) students participated in this study. Neither first year groups had undertaken any clinical placement hours. All third-year students had finished the required clinical placement hours for the physiotherapy course. Students consistently demonstrated empathy towards this master plot. Students often valued the variant of the story which illustrated how difficulties following stroke could be experienced as an 'adventure'. Students also valued and were motivated by the story variant that considered a family member as a source of motivation and encouragement. The story variant which focused on the shortcomings of the health care system was more often related to by the final year BSc students and MSc students. However, first year students, particularly BSc students, reported being more emotionally affected by the vignette. CONCLUSION: All variants of the master plot overcoming the monster appeared to generate empathetic responses. This is important because it highlights the value of students' understanding the patients' story and challenges or 'monsters' faced. Therapeutic relationships will benefit from training physiotherapy students on the importance of listening and exploring challenges people with stroke face.

Barriers and facilitators of physical function, activity, sports and exercise in children and adolescents with spinal pain: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal pain is one of the leading causes of disability, with the incidence of adolescent back pain estimated at 20%. Multiple barriers influence exercise participation in adolescents. However, there remains a lack of literature surrounding patients' choice to exercise, perceived barriers and facilitators of exercise, and their relationship to participant demographics. The aim of this systematic review with meta-ethnography will be to identify the barriers and facilitators of exercise participation among adolescents with thoracic or lower back pain (LBP). The secondary aim will be to identify any trends in barriers and facilitators of exercise between different demographic groups within children or adolescents under 18 years. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The seven-phase process identified by Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography approach will be used. A comprehensive electronic search of databases (AMED, CINAHLplus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Nursing & Allied Health, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Social Science Database) will be completed during April 2022. Grey literature using reference lists, websites and search engines will also be searched in accordance with Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) guidelines. Inclusion criteria include: (A) qualitative studies, (B) participants under 18 years experiencing thoracic or LBP, (C) identification of barriers and facilitators of exercise participation in exercise, sports or physical activity and (D) primary research. This systematic review with meta-ethnography review aims to generate theories of behaviours and interpret significance across multiple studies. This process aims to develop future physiotherapeutic behavioural interventions, inform service provision and identify possible future research questions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval was required due to the nature of using previously published work to form a systematic review paper. This systematic review and meta-ethnography will be disseminated through both conference presentations and journal publications. No funding was received for this review. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022314796.

Pain Perceptions, Suffering and Pain Behaviours of Professional and Pre-Professional Dancers towards Pain and Injury: A Qualitative Review.

Limited data exist that describe the experiences of pain and injury in dancers. The purpose of the current study was to understand pain perceptions, suffering and pain behaviours associated with pre-professional and professional dancers and to consider the psychosocial factors that influence suffering, behaviour and perceptions of pain. A thematic synthesis review was undertaken in three stages: (1) A systematic search using pre-defined search terms was conducted until 17 November 2022. Qualitative studies were included if they captured dancers' perceptions, experiences, or the behaviour of dancers towards pain and injury. (2) Quality appraisal and certainty assessments was performed. (3) A five-phase synthesis generated themes that included a certainty assessment score. Twelve studies with 290 dancers met the inclusion criteria. The aggregated mean age was identified as 28.5 years. No studies were excluded following the quality appraisal stage. Nine studies included professional ballet dancers. Three themes were developed: (1) developing positive and adapted perceptions and behaviours towards pain, (2) the impact and danger of embracing pain and the risk of injury and (3) factors that influenced the response to injury and the ability to perform. This review has highlighted the experiences of pre-professional and professional dancers towards pain and injury. Practical implications for healthcare professionals, employers, choreographers and dancers are provided. Further research is required given the limited evidence base.

Exploring the experiences of people who had a stroke and therapists who managed people with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore experiences, needs and rehabilitation priorities of patients who had their stroke and the experiences of therapists managing stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Exploratory qualitative study. SETTING: Acute, sub-acute and community stroke facilities. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two participants. Twelve therapists (all female, mean age 38.5 years) and ten patients (9 female, mean age 51.1 years) who were involved in stroke rehabilitation during the pandemic were interviewed. METHODS: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before being analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four main themes demonstrate the modifications in the care system as a result of COVID-19, impact on the stroke patients at different stage, needs and priorities of stroke rehabilitation, and management strategies that have been used in stroke rehabilitation. Remote rehabilitation and self-management strategies were recommended to deliver care for stroke patients. However, therapists seemed unsatisfied with the quality of care delivered and patients suggested face to face delivery of care with proper personal protection equipment to better address their physical and mental health needs. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study explored the impact of the pandemic on stroke care from the perspective of the patients and therapists and provides suggestions for improved delivery of care in similar situations. Future research is warranted to examine the long-term effects on people who had inadequate post-stroke rehabilitation during covid pandemic and urgent measures taken to reduce the impact the pandemic has had on the physical and mental issues for these patients.

"Knowing the Noise That Surrounds the Athlete": A Qualitative Study Exploring the Health-Seeking Behaviors of Athletes With Limb Deficiency Drawing on the Experiences and Perceptions of the Medical Staff and Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore the health-seeking behaviors of athletes with limb deficiency, drawing on the experiences and perception of the sports medicine team and athletes. DESIGN: The study used an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological methodology with a subtle realist paradigmatic view to investigate commonality in unique experiences within reality. Data collection was completed with two focus groups in December 2019 and March 2020. Thirteen participants took part including athletes and sports medicine team members (physiotherapists, doctors, and strength and conditioning coaches) working in parasports. Focus group manuscripts were transcribed verbatim from audio recordings. An inductive, iterative process was used to identify themes and subthemes, with processes in place to establish rigor. RESULTS: Two themes and five subthemes emerged in relation to the "internalization and adjustment to social identity" and "the importance and impact of factors, which impact the athlete social identity." CONCLUSIONS: Health-seeking behaviors of athletes with limb deficiency were influenced by a unique blend of personal and environmental factors that contribute toward social identity. The sports medicine team require specific awareness of factors that may diminish health-seeking behaviors to deliver a personalized approach and negate consequences.

Self-management interventions to improve mobility after stroke: an integrative review.

PURPOSE: To review the evidence around self-management interventions used to improve mobility post-stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An integrative review was carried out. Eight databases were searched from 1992 to July 2021 using keywords based on the PICOS strategy. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the relevant data. Quality of studies was assessed and a quantitatively led narrative synthesis of data, supported by qualitative evidence, was then conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies with 823 participants were reviewed. Self-management strategies such as patient education, providing information, goal setting, problem-solving, action planning, self-monitoring, and social support were integrated with rehabilitation therapy to improve mobility post-stroke. The reviewed studies showed improvements in functional mobility and walking ability, self-efficacy, participation in physical activity, and quality of life to various extents. Participants in qualitative studies considered the self-management interventions as a valuable addition to their therapy and perceived the improvement in their mobility following them. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that self-management interventions help to improve mobility outcomes post-stroke. Heterogeneity of data in the studies made meta-analysis impossible. Most of the identified studies examined the feasibility and fidelity of the interventions and further research is warranted to examine the efficacy of these interventions to improve functional mobility post-stroke.Implications for rehabilitationSelf-management interventions can improve mobility-related outcomes, which are considered a priority goal for many stroke survivors.Survivors valued their participation in self-management integrated care programmes and linked that to the perceived improvement in their rehabilitation outcomes.Self-management interventions such as patient education, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and professionals/carers support have been found to improve mobility outcomes for stroke survivors.The outcomes that benefited to a slight extent using self-management were; functional mobility, walking ability (speed, distance, and endurance), and a number of steps per day.

Exploring Stroke Patients' Needs after Discharge from Rehabilitation Centres: Meta-Ethnography.

Healthcare providers must consider stroke survivors needs in order to enable a good quality of life after stroke. This review aimed to investigate the perceived needs of the stroke survivors across various domains of care following their discharge from hospital. A meta-ethnographic review of qualitative studies that reported needs of stroke patients after discharge from rehabilitation services was conducted. Main searches were conducted on the following electronic databases: Ovid Medline (1946 to 2021), CINAHL plus (EBSCO), AMED (EBSCO), PsycINFO (1967 to 2021), the Cochrane Library, and PubMed in June 2022. Main outcomes were related to stroke survivors' views, experiences, and preferences on physical, psychological, social, rehabilitation needs, and other identified needs. Twenty-seven studies were included in the final analysis. The findings show that existing rehabilitation provision for stroke survivors does not address the long-term needs of stroke survivors. Two main issues were revealed concerning the unmet needs of stroke survivors: (1) a lack of information availability and suitability and (2) inadequacy of care and services. It is crucial to further investigate the needs of patients in Asian countries and the Middle East as there is very limited understanding of patients' needs in the community in these regions.

Immediate patient perceptions following lumbar spinal fusion surgery: semi-structured multi-centre interviews exploring the patient journey and experiences of lumbar fusion surgery (FuJourn).

PURPOSE: To understand the patient journey to Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery (LSFS) and patients' experiences of surgery. METHODS: Qualitative study using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Adult participants following LSFS were recruited from 4 UK clinical sites using purposive sampling to ensure representation of key features (e.g. age). Semi-structured interviews informed by a piloted topic guide developed from the literature were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis for individual interviews and then across participants (deductive and inductive) identified emerging themes. Trustworthiness of data analyses was enhanced using multiple strategies (e.g. attention to negative cases). RESULTS: Four emerging themes from n = 31 patients' narratives were identified: decision for surgery, coping strategies, barriers to recovery and recovery after surgery. Decision for surgery and recovery after surgery themes are distinguished by the point of surgery. However, barriers to recovery and coping strategies are key to the whole patient journey encompassing long journeys to surgery and their initial journey after surgery. The themes of coping strategies and barriers to recovery were inter-related and perceived by participants as parallel concepts. The 4 multifactorial themes interacted with each other and shaped the process of an individual patient's recovery. Factors such as sporadic interventions prior to surgery, time-consuming wait for diagnosis and surgery and lack of information regarding recovery strongly influenced perceptions of outcome. CONCLUSION: Patient driven data enables insights to inform research regarding surgery/rehabilitation through depth of understanding of the patient journey. Awareness of factors important to patients is important; ensuring that patient-driven data informs research and patient care.

Healthcare professionals' perceptions and experiences of physiotherapy for people with mental illness: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

INTRODUCTION: There is a high global prevalence of patients presenting with physical and mental health comorbidities. Physiotherapeutic interventions, such as exercise, can have positive benefits for physical and mental health. However, poor accessibility and negative experiences of healthcare services for those with mental illness (MI) have been consistently observed within literature with recent research identifying poor experiences of physiotherapeutic interactions and processes such as referrals and discharges. One way to help improve physiotherapy services for this population is to understand the personal experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) toward physiotherapy for patients with MI. Qualitative-based evidence syntheses are suited to bring this data together with the aim of improving physiotherapy services for patients with MI. This review will systematically search and synthesise existing evidence around HCP experiences and perceptions of physiotherapy for people with MI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic search and seven-phase meta-ethnography will be undertaken. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (CINAHL plus, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Embase and Psycinfo) and search engines as well as grey literature (unpublished primary research such as theses) will be completed. Searches are planned to take place in July 2022. Eligibility criteria include: (a) qualitative data, (b) perceptions identified from HCP, including physiotherapists, assistants and HCP referring into physiotherapy, about physiotherapy for patients with MI and (c) are primary studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This work is exempt from requiring ethical approval due to review methodology with data accessed from published works. This systematic review is expected to provide insight into experiences and perceptions of HCP around benefits and barriers to accessing physiotherapy for patients with mental health illness. Findings will be used to inform further research and co-develop recommendations to overcome barriers and optimise facilitators to care for this population. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and to key stakeholder groups. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021293035.

Individuals' beliefs about the biopsychosocial factors that contribute to their chronic musculoskeletal pain: protocol for a qualitative study in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is described as pain that persists for longer than 3 months. At present, no research is available that understands why CMP develops and continues from the perspective of the individual. Research is needed to establish if there are any consistent biopsychosocial factors perceived as contributing to CMP and what informs such beliefs. Understanding individual beliefs will inform more effective communication between clinicians and patients about their CMP, as well as informing future research into the epidemiology of CMP. Interpretative phenomenological analysis will be used as a methodological framework as it explores how individuals make sense of their world through personal experiences and perceptions while preserving individual nuance. The aim of this study is to understand individuals' beliefs and perceptions about the biological, psychological and social factors, which contribute to the development and maintenance of their CMP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A qualitative study informed by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research using interpretative phenomenological analysis and semistructured interviews. A maximum variation purposive sample of 6-12 adults with CMP will be recruited from the general public in the UK. One semistructured interview will be conducted with each participant via an online video platform with interviews transcribed verbatim. The interview schedule (codesigned with expert patients and informed by existing evidence) identifies three domains of important questions; (1) patient beliefs on why they developed and continue to experience CMP; (2) the relationship between their biopsychosocial experiences and CMP; and (3) the origin of their beliefs. Strategies such as 'member checking' will be employed to ensure trustworthiness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Research Ethics Office at the University of Birmingham (reference ERN_21-0813). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and for presentation at conferences.

Whole-body photobiomodulation therapy for chronic pain: a protocol for a feasibility trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain conditions are a leading cause of disease and disability. They are associated with symptoms such as fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances. Minimal evidence is available to support effective treatments and alternatives treatment approaches are called for. Photobiomodulation therapy has been highlighted as one promising option. A whole-body therapy device (NovoTHOR) has recently been developed with a number of potential advantages for people with chronic pain. Research is needed to consider the feasibility of this device. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A single-centre single-armed (no placebo group) feasibility study with an embedded qualitative component will be conducted. The intervention will comprise 18 treatments over 6 weeks, with 6-month follow-up, in the whole-body photobiomodulation device. A non-probability sample of 20 adult participants with a clinician diagnosis of chronic axial pain, polyarthralgia, myofascial pain or widespread pain will be recruited (self-referral and clinician referral). Outcome measures will focus on acceptability of trial processes with a view to guiding a definitive randomised controlled trial. Analyses will use descriptive statistics for quantitative aspects. The qualitative element will be assessed by means of a participant-reported experience questionnaire postintervention and semistructured audio-recorded interviews at three stages; preintervention, midintervention and postintervention. The latter will be transcribed verbatim and a reflexive thematic analysis will be used to identify emerging themes. Exploratory outcomes (participant-reported and performance-based measures) will be analysed according to data distribution. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has received ethical approval from the Leicester Central Research and Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated via local chronic pain groups, public register update, submission for presentation at scientific meetings and open-access peer-reviewed journals, and via academic social networks. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05069363.

People's Experience of Shared Decision Making in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis.

(1) Shared decision making (SDM) has been advocated as a way of improving prudency in healthcare and has been linked to self-efficacy and empowerment of service users. The evaluation of its use in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy has been vague, but articles suggest that trust and communication are integral. (2) ENTREQ guidelines informed this systematic review and thematic synthesis. PRISMA recommendations steered a systematic literature search of AHMED, CINAHL, MEDLNE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception to September 2021. COREQ was used for quality appraisal of articles alongside critical discussions. Analysis and synthesis included five stages: outlining study characteristics, coding of data, development of descriptive themes, development of analytical themes and integration and refinement. The review aim was to explore people's experiences of SDM in MSK physiotherapy and to inform our understanding of the conditions needed for successful SDM. (3) Out of 1508 studies, 9 articles were included. Four main themes (trust, communication, decision preferences and decision ability) demonstrated that the majority of people want to participate in decision-making. As described in the capacity and capability model, three core conditions were needed to facilitate someone's' ability to participate. (4) People want to be involved in SDM in MSK physiotherapy. For successful SDM, physiotherapists should look to develop mutual trust, utilise two-way communication and share power.