Behaviour-directed interventions for problematic person transfer situations in two dementia care dyads: a single-case design study.

BACKGROUND: Persons with dementia living in nursing homes need assistance with moving and transfers; however, caregivers assisting persons with dementia in their daily person transfers report strain-related and complicated transfer-related behavioural problems. The reciprocity of complex dyadic transfer-related behaviours is affected by environmental factors, the health status of the person with dementia and the caregiver's skills and knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore tailored interventions guided by a functional behaviour analysis for problematic person transfer situations in two dementia care dyads. METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental single-case study with an A-B design. Tailored interventions were developed in a five-step model for functional behavioural analysis. The study was conducted in a dementia special care unit at a nursing home, and the inclusion criteria were caregivers' experiences of physical strain and/or resistiveness to care, which led to complex transfer-related behaviour. Two care dyads were included. Transfer situations were video-recorded and evaluated with the Dyadic Interaction in Dementia Transfer Assessment Scale, Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale, and Resistiveness to Care Scale for Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type. The caregiver experience was evaluated with study-specific items addressing caregiver self-efficacy, catastrophizing thoughts, perceived control, and perceived physical strain. Scorings were graphically displayed. The graphs were inspected visually to identify changes in trend, level, latency, and variability. Nonoverlap of all pairs (NAP), including 90% confidence intervals (CIs), was calculated to complement the visual inspection. RESULTS: Verbal and nonverbal discomfort decreased in care dyad 1, which mirrored the caregiver changes in adapting their actions to the needs of the person with dementia. High variability was seen in both the intervention and the baseline phases in care dyad 2. In both care dyads, caregiver transfer-related behaviour improved. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the transfer-related behaviours of the care dyad might be improved through a behaviour-directed intervention tailored to meet the care dyad´s needs. The small number of cases and observations limits the generalizability, and the results should be interpreted in consideration of the piloting approach of the study.

Patients' health outcomes after an implementation intervention targeting the physiotherapists' clinical behaviour.

BACKGROUND: A behavioural medicine approach in physiotherapy has shown positive effects on increased and sustained activities and participation, including reduced sick leave for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to explore the health outcomes of patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain treated by physiotherapists who had received active compared with passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach. METHODS: An explorative and comparative pre-/post-test trial was conducted. A total of 155 patients with musculoskeletal pain ≥4 weeks were consecutively recruited by physiotherapists in primary healthcare who had received active or passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach. Data concerning health outcomes for patients were collected using questionnaires before and after the physiotherapy treatment and at half-, one- and two-year follow-ups. Descriptive, non-parametric and parametric bi- and multivariate statistics were used. RESULTS: There were no differences over time between the patients treated by physiotherapists who had received active compared to passive implementation support regarding pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-rated health, self-efficacy in performing daily activities, catastrophic thinking related to pain, and fear of movement. Significant improvements over time were identified in both groups regarding all variables and the effect sizes were large. The percentage of patients on sick leave significantly decreased in the patient group treated by physiotherapists who had received active implementation support. CONCLUSION: It is very important to include patient outcomes when evaluating the implementation of multicomponent interventions. It seems that the implementation method did not play a major role for the patients' outcomes in this study. Most of the patients' health outcomes improved regardless of whether they were treated by physiotherapists who had received active or passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach. This was likely because the active implementation support was not extensive enough to enable the physiotherapists to sustain the behavioural medicine approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov . ID NCT03118453 , March 20, 2017.

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

In intervention research on musculoskeletal pain, physiotherapists often study behavioral and cognitive components. Evidence on applying these components has increased during the past decade. However, how to effectively integrate behavioral and cognitive components in the biopsychosocial management of musculoskeletal pain is challenging. The aim was to study the intervention components and patient outcomes of studies integrating behavioral and cognitive components in physiotherapy, to match the interventions with a definition of behavioral medicine in physiotherapy and to categorize the behavior change techniques targeted at patients with musculoskeletal pain in (1) randomized controlled effect trials or (2) implementation in clinical practice trials. A scoping review was used to conduct this study, and the PRISMA-ScR checklist was applied. Relevant studies were identified from the PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core databases separately for the (1) randomized controlled effect trials and (2) implementation in clinical practice trials. Synthesis for the matching of the patient interventions with the existing definition of behavior medicine in physiotherapy showed that the interventions mostly integrated psychosocial, behavioral, and biomedical/physical aspects, and were thus quite consistent with the definition of behavioral medicine in physiotherapy. The reported behavior change techniques were few and were commonly in categories such as "information of natural consequences," "feedback and monitoring," and "goals and planning." The patient outcomes for long-term follow-ups often showed positive effects. The results of this scoping review may inform future research, policies, and practice.

Integration of behavioral medicine competencies into physiotherapy curriculum in an exemplary Swedish program: rationale, process, and review.

In 2004, Mälardalen University, Sweden, introduced a new undergraduate entry-level physiotherapy program. Program developers constructed the curriculum with behavioral medicine content that reflected the contemporary definition and values of the physiotherapy profession aligning it with current best practices, evidence, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The new curriculum conceptualized movement and function as modifiable behaviors in that they reflect behavioral contingencies, perceptions, beliefs, and lifestyle factors as well as pathophysiology and environmental factors. The purpose of this article is to describe how one university accordingly structured its new curriculum and its review. We describe the rationale for the curriculum's behavioral medicine content and competencies, its development and implementation, challenges, long-term outcomes, and its related research enterprise. We conclude that physiotherapy practiced by our graduates augments that taught in other programs based on accreditation reviews. With their expanded practice scope, graduates are systematically practicing within the constructs of health and function conceptualized within the ICF. Our intent in sharing our experience is to exemplify one university's initiative to best prepare students with respect to maximizing physiotherapy outcomes as well as establish a dialogue regarding minimum standards of behavioral medicine competencies in physiotherapy education and practice.

Implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy: impact and sustainability.

Purpose: To explore the effects on and sustainability of physiotherapists' clinical behavior when using facilitation to support the implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in primary health care for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-/post-test trial was conducted. Fifteen physiotherapists were included in the experimental group, and nine in the control group. Based on social cognitive theory and the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, facilitation with multifaceted implementation methods was used during a six-month period. Clinical behaviors were investigated with a study-specific questionnaire, structured observations, self-reports and patient records. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods were used for analyzing differences over time and effect size.Results: A sustained increase in self-efficacy for applying the behavioral medicine approach was found. Clinical actions and verbal expressions changed significantly, and the effect size was large; however, changes were not sustained at follow-ups. The behavioral changes were mainly related to the goal setting, self-monitoring and functional behavioral analysis components. No changes in clinical behavior were found in the control group.Conclusion: Tailored multifaceted facilitation can support the implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy in primary health care, but more comprehensive actions targeting sustainability are needed.Implications for rehabilitationTailored multifaceted facilitation can support the implementation of an evidence based behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy.Facilitation can be useful for increasing self-efficacy beliefs for using behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapist's clinical practice.Further research is required to establish strategies that are effective in sustaining behavioral changes.

Implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy: a process evaluation of facilitation methods.

BACKGROUND: In a quasi-experimental study, facilitation was used to support implementation of the behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy. The facilitation consisted of an individually tailored multifaceted intervention including outreach visits, peer coaching, educational materials, individual goal-setting, video feedback, self-monitoring in a diary, manager support, and information leaflets to patients. A behavioral medicine approach implies a focus on health related behavior change. Clinical behavioral change was initiated but not maintained among the participating physiotherapists. To explain these findings, a deeper understanding of the implementation process is necessary. The aim was therefore to explore the impact mechanisms in the implementation of a behavioral medicine approach in physiotherapy by examining dose, reach, and participant experiences. METHODS: An explorative mixed-methods design was used as a part of a quasi-experimental trial. Twenty four physiotherapists working in primary health care were included in the quasi-experimental trial, and all physiotherapists in the experimental group (n = 15) were included in the current study. A facilitation intervention based mainly on social cognitive theory was tested during a 6-month period. Data were collected during and after the implementation period by self-reports of time allocation regarding participation in different implementation methods, documentation of individual goals, ranking of the most important implementation methods, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistical methods and inductive content analysis were used. RESULTS: The physiotherapists participated most frequently in the following implementation methods: outreach visits, peer coaching, educational materials, and individual goal-setting. They also considered these methods to be the most important for implementation, contributing to support for learning, practice, memory, emotions, self-management, and time management. However, time management support from the manager was lacking. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that different mechanisms govern the initiation and maintenance of clinical behavior change. The impact mechanisms for initiation of clinical behavior change refers to the use of externally initiated multiple methods, such as feedback on practice, time management, and extrinsic motivation. The lack of self-regulation capability, intrinsic motivation, and continued support after the implementation intervention period were interpreted as possible mechanisms for the failure of maintaining the behavioral change over time.

The complexity of integrating a behavioral medicine approach into physiotherapy clinical practice.

Introduction and Aim: The implementation of a behavioral medicine (BM) approach in physiotherapy is challenging, and studies regarding the determinants are sparse. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore determinants of applying a BM approach in physiotherapy for patients with persistent pain across the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. Methods: A qualitative multiple-case study design was used. Data were collected from four cases through semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists (PTs), patients, and managers; observations of video-recorded treatment sessions; and reviews of local directives and regulations. Data were analyzed with inductive content analysis and cross-case analysis, followed by mapping to the domains of determinants at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels within the Implementation of Change Model. Results: Similar determinants were found across the cases. At the micro-level, these determinants concerned the PTs' ambivalence toward a BM approach, a biomedical focus, embarrassment asking about psychosocial factors, BM knowledge, skills for applying the approach, and self-awareness. Others concerned the patients' role expectations of the PT, patients as active or passive agents in the treatment process, patients' focus on biomedical aspects, and confidence in the PT. At the meso-level, support from managers and peers, allocation of time, and expectations from the organization were identified as determinants. No determinants were identified at the macro-level. Conclusion: The complexity of integrating a BM approach into physiotherapy clinical practice arises from multiple determinants functioning as both facilitators and barriers. By selecting strategies to address these determinants, the implementation of a BM approach could be supported.

Development and psychometric properties of the stressor scale for emergency nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency department nurses are exposed to specific stressors and report higher stress levels than nurses in other hospital departments. This study aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of a questionnaire-based instrument for identifying stressors for emergency department nurses. METHODS: The instrument's content and face validities were examined by five experts and nurses in emergency nursing field. The test-retest reliability was examined on 30 emergency department nurses. The construct validity, including an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis, was tested on 405 emergency department nurses. Cronbach's alpha values and intra-class coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: The instrument's content and face validities were satisfactory. The exploratory factor analysis provided a five-factor solution, whereas the confirmatory factor analysis provided a final four-factor solution with 25 items distributed among the factors Life and death situations, Patients' and families' actions and reactions, Technical and formal support, and Conflicts. The Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.89 to 0.93 per factor, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.89, indicating good homogeneity and stability. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument's content, face, and construct validities were satisfactory, and the internal consistency and test-retest reliability were good. This instrument can be useful in the management of emergency departments.

Is self-efficacy and catastrophizing in pain-related disability mediated by control over pain and ability to decrease pain in whiplash-associated disorders?

Pain perception is influenced by several cognitive and behavioral factors of which some identified as mediators are important in pain management. We studied the mediating role of control over pain and ability to decrease pain in relation to functional self-efficacy, catastrophizing, and pain-related disability in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders, (WAD). Further, if the possible mediating impact differs over time from acute to three and 12 months after an accident, cross-sectional and prospective design was used, and 123 patients with WAD were included. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the mediating effect. The results showed that control over pain and ability to decrease pain were not mediators between self-efficacy, catastrophizing, and disability. Self-efficacy had a larger direct effect on pain-related disability compared to catastrophizing. Thus, healthcare staff should give priority to increase patients' self-efficacy, decrease catastrophic thinking, and have least focus on control over pain or ability to decrease pain.

The Relation between the Fear-Avoidance Model and Constructs from the Social Cognitive Theory in Acute WAD.

In the fear-avoidance (FA) model social cognitive constructs could add to explaining the disabling process in whiplash associated disorder (WAD). The aim was to exemplify the possible input from Social Cognitive Theory on the FA model. Specifically the role of functional self-efficacy and perceived responses from a spouse/intimate partner was studied. A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. Data from 64 patients with acute WAD were used. Measures were pain intensity measured with a numerical rating scale, the Pain Disability Index, support, punishing responses, solicitous responses, and distracting responses subscales from the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, the Catastrophizing subscale from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and the Self-Efficacy Scale. Bivariate correlational, simple linear regression, and multiple regression analyses were used. In the statistical prediction models high pain intensity indicated high punishing responses, which indicated high catastrophizing. High catastrophizing indicated high fear of movement, which indicated low self-efficacy. Low self-efficacy indicated high disability, which indicated high pain intensity. All independent variables together explained 66.4% of the variance in pain disability, p < 0.001. Results suggest a possible link between one aspect of the social environment, perceived punishing responses from a spouse/intimate partner, pain intensity, and catastrophizing. Further, results support a mediating role of self-efficacy between fear of movement and disability in WAD.

Factors Associated with Healthy Aging among Older Persons in Northeastern Thailand.

The aim of this study was to describe factors associated with perceived health and healthy aging among older people in northeastern Thailand. Thailand's aging population is growing and facing an increasing old-age dependency ratio. Northeastern Thailand, known as Isan, is a region in which the number of older residents is projected to grow rapidly. Older people in this region are likely to confront great threats to their health and well-being. These issues require appropriate attention and actions to promote healthy aging. However, healthy aging in this region has not been studied. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 453 older people, aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Healthy Aging Instrument (HAI) and provided relevant demographic characteristics. Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and multiple regression models were used to analyze the data. Through comparative analyses, significant differences in HAI scores were observed for the following factors: marital status, residential area, disability, income level, and perceived meaningfulness in life. In the multiple regression models, residential area, disability, and marital status explained 24.30 % of the variance in HAI scores. Health promotion strategies and future targeted intervention programs should consider the importance of these factors.

The Pain Belief Screening Instrument (PBSI): predictive validity for disability status in persistent musculoskeletal pain.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive validity of a screening instrument measuring disability, self-efficacy, fear of movement and catastrophizing, for disability status in patients with musculoskeletal pain in primary health care physical therapy. Development over time of pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-reported work capacity and overall daily function for subgroups of patients was also investigated. METHOD: Prospective and correlational study, where patients (n = 168) with a pain-duration of 4 weeks or more completed the questionnaires and their cases were followed for 8 months to assess the variables of interest. For predictive validity of the screening instrument discriminant analyses were conducted. The development over time for subgroups was analysed by comparing scores at the first and second measurement. RESULTS: The PBSI correctly classified 72% of the subjects as High-disabled (n = 33) or Low-disabled (n = 110), as measured with the Pain Disability Index (Wilks' lambda = 0.848, p < 0.005). For pain intensity, self-reported changes in work capacity and overall daily function the discriminant analyses were not significant. The High-disability group had increased disability, unchanged pain intensity and decreased work capacity and daily function after 8 months. CONCLUSION: The predictive validity of the PBSI for disability was confirmed. In clinical use the PBSI could serve as a mean to obtain supplementary and clinically useful information.

Pain belief screening instrument: Development and preliminary validation of a screening instrument for disabling persistent pain.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the ability of a screening instrument to identify subgroups among primary healthcare patients with musculoskeletal pain. The Pain Belief Screening Instrument covers pain intensity, disability, self-efficacy, fear avoidance and catastrophizing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, correlational and comparative study. SUBJECTS: Patients in primary healthcare (n1 = 215; n2 = 93) with a pain duration of 4 weeks or more were included. METHODS: Items for the Pain Belief Screening Instrument were derived from principal component analyses of: the Self-efficacy Scale, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and the Catastrophizing subscale in the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Cluster solutions of scores on the screening instrument and the original instruments were cross-tabulated. The reliability of items in the Pain Belief Screening Instrument was examined. RESULTS: The screening instrument identified 2 groups: high- or low-risk profile for pain-related disability. Validity was in-between moderate and substantial (kappa = 0.61, p < 0.001). The reliability of each item in the Pain Belief Screening Instrument in relation to the corresponding item in the original instruments was moderate to high (rs 0.50-0.80, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The screening instrument fairly well replicated subgroups identified by the original instruments. The reliability of items in the screening instrument was acceptable. Further testing of predictive validity for a primary healthcare population is needed..

Musculoskeletal pain in primary health care: subgroups based on pain intensity, disability, self-efficacy, and fear-avoidance variables.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe subgroup profiles based on self-reported pain intensity, disability, self-efficacy, fear of movement/(re)injury, and catastrophizing in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Two primary health care samples (n = 215 and n = 161) were used. Self-report questionnaires were completed at the start of physical therapy treatment. Cluster analysis was used to generate subgroups. Three subgroups were identified in sample 1 and replicated in sample 2. These were labeled "High self-efficacy-Low fear-avoidance," "Low self-efficacy-Low fear-avoidance," and "Low self-efficacy-High fear-avoidance." The subgroups differed significantly in work-status in both samples (P < .001), but not in age, gender, or duration of pain. The results show the presence of subgroups based on pain intensity, disability, self-efficacy, fear of movement/(re)injury, and catastrophizing. The profile patterns suggest that different management strategies may be relevant in each subgroup. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents subgroups of patients with musculoskeletal pain with different profiles in pain intensity, disability, and psychosocial variables possible to modify by physical therapy management. The results could potentially aid clinicians in tailoring assessment and treatment approaches to each subgroup.