Perceptions of underlying practice hierarchies: Who is managing my care?

Educational needs and preferences of adult patients with acute pain: a mixed-methods systematic review

ABSTRACT

Many patients experience acute pain, which has been associated with numerous negative consequences. Pain education has been proposed as a strategy to improve acute pain management. However, studies report limited effects with educational interventions for acute pain in adults, which can be explained by the underuse of the person-centered approach. Thus, we aimed to systematically review and synthetize current evidence from quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies describing patients' needs and preferences for acute pain education in adults. We searched original studies and gray literature in 7 databases, from January 1990 to October 2023. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 32 studies were included (n = 1847 patients), two-thirds of which were qualitative studies of high methodological quality. Most of the studies were conducted over the last 15 years in patients with postsurgical and posttraumatic pain, identified as White, with a low level of education. Patients expressed the greatest need for education when it came to what to expect in pain intensity and duration, as well how to take the medication and its associated adverse effects. The most frequently reported educational preferences were for in-person education while involving caregivers and to obtain information first from physicians, then by other professionals. This review has highlighted the needs and preferences to be considered in pain education interventions, which should be embedded in an approach cultivating communication and partnership with patients and their caregivers. The results still need to be confirmed with different patient populations.

Advanced practice physiotherapists in primary health care: stakeholders' views of a new scope of practice

Introduction Advanced and extended primary health care practice roles have been developed in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) for dietetics, nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy professions. Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles in primary health care could address escalating health care costs, challenges to workforce sustainability and inefficient primary/secondary care interfaces. Little is known about how stakeholders perceive the recently introduced Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) scope of practice. Aim This study aimed to explore health professionals' perceptions of the APP scope of practice in NZ and how APPs could influence physiotherapy service delivery for people with musculoskeletal conditions in primary health care. Methods Qualitative, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants including physiotherapists, general practitioners, medical specialists and Accident Compensation Corporation case managers. Inductive interpretive analysis was undertaken. Results Five themes were identified: perceptions of current musculoskeletal management in primary health care; lack of a career pathway; ways in which APPs might facilitate change and what their role would be; characteristics of an APP; and the implementation of the APP role into practice. Discussion Stakeholders were supportive of the APP scope of practice and thought it has the potential to improve patient pathways, health care delivery and health outcomes for those with musculoskeletal conditions. Stakeholders also thought it would fill an important gap in the physiotherapy clinical career pathway. Successful implementation will require assessment of applicants' personal attributes as well as clinical experience and academic qualifications to ensure all stakeholders have confidence to engage with the service, clear communication, active promotion and specific funding.