Engaging patients through education: a modified-Delphi consultation to develop recommendations for patient education interventions in the management of subacromial pain syndrome in physical therapy

Abstract

Purpose To develop recommendations to support the range of patient education interventions relevant in the management of patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) in physical therapy. Materials and methods A 3-round modified Delphi consultation was used to obtain consensus agreement on the relevance of 12 preliminary recommendations. These were developed from a literature review and an expert consultation on general educational strategies and specific patient education interventions for the management of SAPS. The analysis assessed the rate of consensus on the relevance of these recommendations. Delphi panelists were rehabilitation professionals including physical (n = 21) and occupational therapists (n = 1) with SAPS experience, and patient-partners (n = 2) presenting shoulder pain. Results The Delphi consultation resulted in 13 revised consensus recommendations. Six consensus recommendations addressed general educational strategies to facilitate patient education, including teaching methods and materials, and seven addressed specific educational interventions, including teaching symptom self-management and tailoring activities and participation. These recommendations were incorporated into a clinical decision-making tool to support the selection of the most relevant patient education interventions. Conclusion The recommendations developed in this study are relevant to guide physical therapist’s clinical decisions making regarding interventions using patient education for SAPS. They promote active engagement and empowerment of individuals with SAPS.