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Alyousef YS, Johnston V, Smith MD. Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 71:102942. [PMID: 38507868 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability and can affect an individual's ability to work. OBJECTIVES To explore Australian physiotherapists' use of work-related interventions in managing patients with lower limb OA, and identify current management practices. METHODS Physiotherapists with at least two years of experience treating patients with lower limb OA were invited to complete an online survey to understand how physiotherapists manage patients with lower limb OA, specifically regarding interventions related to work. RESULTS A total of 132 physiotherapists completed the survey. In free text responses, only 1.5% and 2.3% of physiotherapists nominated work-related items in their key components of treatment or educational topics discussed with patients with lower limb OA, respectively. From a range of work-related activities presented, over half of physiotherapists indicated they regularly/always provided education about the benefits of remaining in work (63.5%) and advice on managing symptoms at work (57.4%). Less than 10% of physiotherapists regularly/always used a validated scale to identify barriers for work (9.6%), discussed absences from work (9.6%), conducted a workplace assessment (4.4%), and discussed submitting workers' compensation claims (2.6%). Exercise and patient education were the most frequently nominated physiotherapy treatments in free text (96.2% and 86.3%, respectively) and fixed response (99.2% and 93.9%, respectively) questions. CONCLUSION Many physiotherapists do not address work-related activities in their management of patients with lower limb OA. In light of work-related challenges commonly experienced by individuals with lower limb OA, this is an important aspect of management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef S Alyousef
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Majmaah University, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Majma'ah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; University of Southern Queensland, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Michelle D Smith
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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2
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St-Georges M, Hutting N, Hudon A. Competencies for Physiotherapists Working to Facilitate Rehabilitation, Work Participation and Return to Work for Workers with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2022; 32:637-651. [PMID: 35384629 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the literature addressing the competencies that physiotherapists in a clinical setting need to facilitate the rehabilitation, work participation, and return to work of workers with musculoskeletal disorders.Methods We conducted a scoping review in accordance with Arksey & O'Malley's five-step method. The following categories of keywords were used during searches in Embase, Medline and CINAHL in May 2020: (1) physiotherapy/physical therapy; (2) return to work, work participation or occupational health; and (3) education/professional competencies/guidelines. Two authors reviewed the full-text papers and agreed on the selection of articles for inclusion. The selected articles were then charted in an Excel grid and descriptively analyzed.Results Three main categories of competencies were identified: (1) Understanding and interacting with patients who are workers; (2) Planning rehabilitation with other stakeholders; and (3) Reaching out to the workplace. The fourth category named "Obstacles to the development of work-related competencies", regroups several obstacles that were identified as potentially impeding the development of work-related competencies by physiotherapists.Conclusion The findings of this scoping review inform physiotherapy clinicians, educators and regulators on the specific knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that appear to play a role in facilitating the rehabilitation of workers with musculoskeletal disorders. We trust that this study will lead to new initiatives that will define, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of these competencies in practice, along with rekindling the discussions about the place of work rehabilitation in the physiotherapy profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélodie St-Georges
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Nathan Hutting
- School of Organisation and Development, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Hudon
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM), Centre intégré de services sociaux et de santé du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal (CIUSSS CSMTL), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche en Éthique (CRÉ), Montreal, Canada.
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Hutting N, Boucaut R, Gross DP, Heerkens YF, Johnston V, Skamagki G, Stigmar K. Work-Focused Health Care: The Role of Physical Therapists. Phys Ther 2020; 100:2231-2236. [PMID: 32929495 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hutting
- School of Organisation and Development, Research Group Occupation and Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 6960, 6503 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rose Boucaut
- Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yvonne F Heerkens
- School of Organisation and Development, Research Group Occupation and Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences
| | - Venerina Johnston
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Glykeria Skamagki
- School of Health, Physiotherapy, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Östlind EK, Grahn BE, Stigmar KE. Patients’ experience of a workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice in primary care: an interview study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2019.1630853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elin K. Östlind
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birgitta E. Grahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Kjerstin E. Stigmar
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Hudon A, Ehrmann Feldman D, Hunt M. Tensions Living Out Professional Values for Physical Therapists Treating Injured Workers. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:876-888. [PMID: 30304990 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318803589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Health care services provided by workers' compensation systems aim to facilitate recovery for injured workers. However, some features of these systems pose barriers to high quality care and challenge health care professionals in their everyday work. We used interpretive description methodology to explore ethical tensions experienced by physical therapists caring for patients with musculoskeletal injuries compensated by Workers' Compensation Boards. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 physical therapists and leaders in the physical therapy and workers' compensation fields from three Canadian provinces and analyzed transcripts using concurrent and constant comparative techniques. Through our analysis, we developed inductive themes reflecting significant challenges experienced by participants in upholding three core professional values: equity, competence, and autonomy. These challenges illustrate multiple facets of physical therapists' struggles to uphold moral commitments and preserve their sense of professional integrity while providing care to injured workers within a complex health service system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hudon
- 1 University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- 2 University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debbie Ehrmann Feldman
- 3 University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- 4 Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Matthew Hunt
- 4 Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- 5 McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Chance-Larsen F, Chance-Larsen K, Divanoglou A, Baird A. The use of an e-learning module on return to work advice for physiotherapists - A prospective cohort study. Physiother Theory Pract 2018; 36:267-275. [PMID: 29924673 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1485193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) can progress to chronic disability and prolonged absence from work. Despite clinical and professional guidelines, physiotherapists often fail to address return to work outcomes. Aims: The aim of this exploratory study was to determine whether an e-learning resource tailored to physiotherapy practice could affect physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs regarding return to work advice for their patients. Design: A prospective interventional cohort study (pilot). Methods: Participants were recruited via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. Responses on a clinical vignette, the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Scale (HC-Pairs), and the Behavioral Constructs Questionnaire (BCQ) were collected online at baseline (Q1) and 2-months post-intervention (Q2). Results: Fifty-four physiotherapists completed Q1 and the response rate for Q2 was 44/54 (81%). Changes in the degree of agreement with guidelines indicated that the intervention made an impact on respondents (kappa 0.345; p = 0.003). HC-Pairs and BCQ results showed a nonstatistically significant trend toward the target behavior. Conclusions: There is a need for interventions to improve adherence with advice for return to work following nonspecific LBP. An e-learning tool for physiotherapists on advising patients regarding return to work has potential to positively affect self-reported clinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Chance-Larsen
- Employee Health & Wellbeing Service, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Anestis Divanoglou
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Andrew Baird
- Centre for Psychological Research, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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Peters SE, Truong AP, Johnston V. Stakeholders identify similar barriers but different strategies to facilitate return-to-work: A vignette of a worker with an upper extremity condition. Work 2018; 59:401-412. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-182692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Peters
- Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Brisbane Hand and Upper Limb Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Harvard Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anthony P. Truong
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, QLD, Australia
- Department of Allied Health, Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa, QLD, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Beales DJ, Ruscoe GA, Mitchell T. Insurance workers' and physiotherapists' perceptions of their roles in the management of workers with injuries in the Western Australian workers' compensation system. Work 2017; 58:499-507. [PMID: 29254121 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insurance workers and physiotherapists are important stakeholders in the rehabilitation of workers with an injury and subsequent musculoskeletal pain. Understanding perceptions of roles may facilitate communication between these stakeholders. OBJECTIVE Increase knowledge around, (i) the self-perception of and (ii) the external perception of the insurance workers and physiotherapists roles in the management of a worker with an injury in an Australian workers' compensation environment. METHODS A cross-sectional study assessed the perceptions of insurance workers and physiotherapists related to the roles of these two professions in managing a worker with an injury via questionnaire. Respondents were also asked about potential communication barriers. RESULTS Insurance workers (n = 48) and physiotherapists (n = 80) reported contrasting role perceptions, with their perception of the other profession leaning towards negative attributes. There was greater alignment of their beliefs of roles in the 'ideal' situation. The perception of barriers to communication also differed between the two professions. Effective and efficient communication was identified as a central component of mismatched role perceptions between stakeholders, but recognised as a critical attribute of 'ideal' stakeholder roles. CONCLUSION Insurance workers and physiotherapists self-perception of their roles differs from external perceptions. This information highlights the importance of a shared understanding of stakeholder roles in the management of a worker with an injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren John Beales
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Tim Mitchell
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Oswald W, Hutting N, Engels JA, Bart Staal J, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MWG, Heerkens YF. Work participation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: is this addressed in physical therapy practice? J Occup Med Toxicol 2017; 12:27. [PMID: 28855953 PMCID: PMC5574154 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-017-0174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal disorders are the main complaints for visiting a physical therapist (PT) in primary health care; they have a negative effect on an individual’s quality of life and result in a major cost to society. Qualitative research has shown that physical therapists (PTs) treating patients with these disorders experience barriers in the integration of occupational factors within their practice, and also revealed a lack of cooperation between PTs and (other) occupational healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to quantitatively investigate how generalist PTs in the Netherlands, who treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, currently integrate occupational factors within their practice, and to identify their opinions and needs with regard to enhancing the integration of the patient’s work within physical therapy practice. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among generalist PTs who treat working-age (18–67 years) patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Generalist PTs were contacted for participation via digital news-mails and asked to fill out an online survey which was developed based on the results of a recent qualitative study. The survey consisted of: i) demographics of the participants, ii) questions on how generalist PTs currently integrate occupational factors within their practice, and iii) asked their opinion about the integration of occupational factors within physical therapy. The PTs were also asked about their needs with regard to the integration of occupational factors and with regard to cooperation with other (occupational) health professionals. All answers (using Likert scales) are presented as the number and percentage of the respondents reporting those specific answers, whereas all other answers are presented as means and standard deviations. Results Of the 142 respondents, 64% indicated that occupational factors should be addressed to a greater extent within physical therapy. To have the possibility to bill for a workplace assessment (60.6%) and more knowledge about laws and regulations (50%) were identified as needs of the respondents. Only 14.8% of the respondents indicated that they communicate with or consult a PT specialized in occupational health. Only 12.7% of the participants who do not have a specialized PT within their practice sometimes/regularly refer patients to a specialized PT. Conclusions Although generalist PTs address occupational factors within their practice, there is room for improvement. This study also identified a lack of cooperation between generalist PTs and PTs specialized in occupational health. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12995-017-0174-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Oswald
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503 GL Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Physical Therapy, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nathan Hutting
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503 GL Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Josephine A Engels
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503 GL Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J Bart Staal
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Yvonne F Heerkens
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503 GL Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Bartys S, Frederiksen P, Bendix T, Burton K. System influences on work disability due to low back pain: An international evidence synthesis. Health Policy 2017; 121:903-912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Hutting N, Oswald W, Staal JB, Engels JA, Nouwens E, Nijhuis van-der Sanden MW, Heerkens YF. Physical therapists and importance of work participation in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a focus group study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:196. [PMID: 28511676 PMCID: PMC5434575 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are a major health problem resulting in negative effects on wellbeing and substantial costs to society. Work participation is associated with positive benefits for both mental and physical health. Potentially, generalist physical therapists (GPTs) can play an important role in reducing absenteeism, presenteeism and associated costs in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. However, work participation is often insufficiently addressed within generalist physical therapy practice (GPTP). Therefore, this study evaluates whether GPTs take work participation into account as a determining factor in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, and how this might be improved. METHODS This qualitative study consisted of seven focus groups involving 30 participants: 21 GPTs and 9 occupational physical therapists (OPTs). Based on an interview guide, participants were asked how they integrate work participation within their practice, how they collaborate with other professionals, and how GPTs can improve integration of the patient's work within their practice. RESULTS Although participants recognized the importance of work participation, they mentioned that the integration of this item in their GPTP could be improved. Generally, GPTs place insufficient priority on work participation. Moreover, there is a lack of cooperation between the generalist physical therapist and (other) occupational healthcare providers (including OPTs), and the borderlines/differences between generalist physcial therapy and occupational health physcial therapy were sometimes unclear. GPTs showed a lack of knowledge and a need for additional information about several important work-related factors (e.g. work content, physical and psychosocial working conditions, terms of employment). CONCLUSIONS Although a patient's work is important, GPTs take insufficient account of work participation as a determining factor in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. GPTs often lack specific knowledge about work-related factors, and there is insufficient cooperation between OPTs and other occupational healthcare providers. The integration of work participation within GPTP, and the cooperation between GPTs and other occupational healthcare providers, show room for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hutting
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503, GL, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Wiebke Oswald
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503, GL, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Physical Therapy, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J Bart Staal
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Josephine A Engels
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503, GL, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Elvira Nouwens
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Physical Therapy, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Yvonne F Heerkens
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation & Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 6960, 6503, GL, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Johnston V, Beales D. Enhancing direct access and authority for work capacity certificates to physiotherapists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 25:100-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hudon A, Laliberté M, Hunt M, Feldman DE. Quality of physiotherapy services for injured workers compensated by workers' compensation in Quebec: a focus group study of physiotherapy professionals. Healthc Policy 2015; 10:32-47. [PMID: 25947032 PMCID: PMC4748341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of work-related physical disability in the province of Quebec in Canada. The authors conducted a focus group study with physiotherapists and physical rehabilitation therapists working with patients whose treatments are compensated by the Quebec Workers' Compensation Board with the goal of exploring quality of care and ethical issues. Three main themes were identified: (1) systemic factors, (2) complexity in treatment decisions and (3) inequality of care. Although physiotherapy professionals strive to give these patients the best possible care, patients might not always be provided with optimal or equal treatment. When compared with other patients, there appear to be differences with respect to access to care and types of services offered to injured workers, raising equity concerns. Factors that shape and constrain quality of physiotherapy services for injured workers need to be addressed to improve care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hudon
- PhD Student in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC
| | - Maude Laliberté
- PhD Student in Biomedical Sciences, Bioethics Option, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC
| | - Matthew Hunt
- Assistant Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC
| | - Debbie Ehrmann Feldman
- Full Professor, Rehabilitation School, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC
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Coole C, Birks E, Watson PJ, Drummond A. Communicating with employers: experiences of occupational therapists treating people with musculoskeletal conditions. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2014; 24:585-95. [PMID: 24043486 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-013-9476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many employed people with musculoskeletal conditions rely on healthcare practitioners, including occupational therapists, for work-related advice and support. Good communication between healthcare practitioners and employers is considered vital in facilitating work retention and return to work. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of occupational therapists in communicating with patients' employers. METHODS Qualitative data were collected from the responses of occupational therapists to ten statements/open questions in a questionnaire survey of UK occupational therapists. Data were copied verbatim into word documents and analysed thematically. RESULTS A total of 649 comments were made by 143 respondents. Five themes were identified that were associated with communicating with employers: patient-dependent; employer-dependent; therapist-dependent; extrinsic factors; methods of communication. CONCLUSION This study has identified that communication between occupational therapists and employers is influenced by a number of factors, including those which are outside the therapists' control. These need to be acknowledged and addressed by therapists, their professional organisation, employers, commissioners, therapy service managers, educators and employees in order to support return-to-work and work retention of people with musculoskeletal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Coole
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK,
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Johnston V, Shaw WS. Helping workers help themselves: empowering physiotherapy clients to manage musculoskeletal problems at work. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743288x13y.0000000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Daley D, Miller M. Moving forward in occupational health physical therapy: the journey toward specialization in the United States. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743288x13y.0000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Johnston V, Jull G, Sheppard DM, Ellis N. Applying principles of self-management to facilitate workers to return to or remain at work with a chronic musculoskeletal condition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:274-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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