Abstract
BackgroundIt is unclear how physiotherapists match treatment to patients with low-back pain (LBP) in primary healthcare. A further exploration of physiotherapists' perspective of matching treatments to the individual patient in this setting is needed. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore and describe aspects influencing physiotherapists' clinical reasoning in the decision-making on individualized treatment of LBP in primary healthcare. DesignThis was an explorative study using qualitative content analysis. MethodFifteen semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with physiotherapists, men and women, experienced and novice, working in primary healthcare settings in one sparsely populated region and in one larger city in Sweden. FindingsTwo overarching themes were identified influencing decision-making for individualized treatment of LBP: 1) Matching requires differentiation and adaptation, with categories describing specific patient characteristics, assessment findings and treatment adaptations (classification of pain and bodily findings; patient physical capacity and emotions; patient awareness and motivation; treatment combinations and atypical treatment rationales): and 2) The tension between trust and barriers; with categories describing aspects of physiotherapists' convictions, constraints and working environment (confidence in treatments and oneself; physiotherapists' terms overrule patients' preferences; personal constraints and workplace approach and priorities). ConclusionThis study describes aspects of the patients, the physiotherapists and their workplaces that influence decisions for individualized treatment of LBP. The findings underpin the need for clinician self-reflection, initiatives for skilled clinical competence and the weight clinician observations carry on the complex treatment selection process which need to be appreciated when implementing evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice.
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