Physiotherapists’ experiences of implementation of the BetterBack model of care for low back pain in primary care - a focus group interview study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The BetterBack model of care (MoC), a best practice physiotherapy MoC for low back pain (LBP), was implemented in Swedish primary care to improve management of patients with LBP and provide patients with support tools to better self-manage episodes of LBP. Purpose The objective was to describe how physiotherapists in primary care experienced the implementation of the BetterBack MoC for LBP. Methods Focus group interviews were conducted with physiotherapists in 2018–2019, 14–18 months after the introduction of the BetterBack MoC. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Five focus group interviews with 23 (15 female and 8 male) physiotherapists, age range 24–61 years were analyzed. A supportive organization and adaptation to the local culture, combined with health care professionals’ attitudes and collaboration between physiotherapists emerged as important factors for a successful implementation and for long-term sustainability of the MoC. Physiotherapists had differing opinions if the implementation led to change in clinical practice. Improved confidence in how to manage patients with LBP was expressed by physiotherapists. Conclusions Several barriers and facilitators influence the implementation of a best practice physiotherapy MoC for LBP in primary care, which need to be considered in future implementation and sustainability processes.