National Health Service Physiotherapy Research Articles

A new measure of exercise adherence: the ATEMPT (Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) develop a new measure of adherence to exercise for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain (Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool: ATEMPT) based on previously conceptualised domains...

Feasibility of a theoretically grounded, multicomponent, physiotherapy intervention aiming to promote autonomous motivation to adopt and maintain physical activity in patients with lower-limb osteoarthritis: protocol for a single-arm trial

BackgroundLower-limb osteoarthritis (OA) causes high levels of pain and disability in adults over 45 years of age. Adopting and maintaining appropriate levels of physical activity (PA) can help patients with lower-limb OA self-manage their symptoms and reduce the likelihood of developing secondary noncommunicable diseases. However, patients with lower-limb OA are less active than people without musculoskeletal pain. This single-arm feasibility trial seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a complex multicomponent physiotherapy behaviour change intervention that aims to aid patients with lower-limb OA to adopt and maintain optimal levels of PA.MethodsThis trial will be conducted at one site in a National Health Service physiotherapy outpatient setting in the West Midlands of England. Up to thirty-five participants with lower-limb OA will be recruited to receive a physiotherapy intervention of six sessions that aims to optimise their PA levels during phases of behavioural change: adoption, routine formation and maintenance. The intervention is underpinned by self-determination theory (and other motivational frameworks) and seeks to foster a motivationally optimal (empowering) treatment environment and implement behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that target PA behaviours across the three phases of the intervention. Physiotherapists (n = 5–6) will receive training in the why and how of developing a more empowering motivational environment and the delivery of the intervention BCTs. Participants will complete patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures at baseline and 3-month (to reflect behavioural adoption) and 6-month (maintenance) post-baseline. Feasibility and acceptability will be primarily assessed through semi-structured interviews (purposively recruiting participants) and focus groups (inviting all physiotherapists and research staff). Further evaluation will include descriptive analysis of recruitment rates, loss of follow-up and intervention fidelity.DiscussionA novel complex, multicomponent theoretical physiotherapy behaviour change intervention that aims to create a more empowering motivational treatment environment to assist patients with lower-limb OA to adopt and maintain optimal PA levels has been developed. Testing the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its associated physiotherapist training and related trial procedures is required to determine whether a full-scale parallel group (1:1) randomised controlled trial to evaluate the interventions effectiveness in clinical practice is indicated.Trial registrationTrial register: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial identification number: ISRCTN12002764.Date of registration: 15 February 2022.

Developing a best practice framework for musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy delegation: the MOPeD mixed-methods research study protocol

IntroductionPhysiotherapy assistants/support workers are an important part of the physiotherapy workforce in the UK. Many of them work in National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy outpatient services treating patients with musculoskeletal...

Home-based rehabilitation programme compared with traditional physiotherapy for patients at risk of poor outcome after knee arthroplasty: the CORKA randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a home-based rehabilitation programme for people assessed as being at risk of a poor outcome after knee arthroplasty offers superior outcomes to traditional outpatient physiotherapy.DesignA prospective, single-blind,...

The role of leadership in implementing and sustaining an evidence-based intervention for osteoarthritis (ESCAPE-pain) in NHS physiotherapy services: a qualitative case study

Purpose To explore the role of leadership by physiotherapists in implementing and sustaining an evidence-based complex intervention (ESCAPE-pain) for osteoarthritis. Materials and methods A qualitative case study approach using in-depth interviews with 23 clinicians and managers from 4 National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy providers in England between 2016 and 2017. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Different leadership roles and actions were characterised with four themes: (1) Clinical champions – clinicians driving the sustainability of ESCAPE-pain; (2) Supporters – junior clinicians directly supporting clinical champions’ efforts to sustain ESCAPE-pain; (3) Senior Manager – clinical champions’ senior managers influence on sustainability; (4) Decision-making – (in)formal processes underpinning decisions to (not) sustain the programme. Conclusions The study characterises the role of leadership in physiotherapy to sustain an evidence-based intervention for osteoarthritis (OA) within the NHS. Sustaining the intervention required on-going leadership, it did not stop at implementation. Senior specialist physiotherapists (as Champions) had a critical leadership role in driving sustainability. Their structural position (bridging the operational and strategic) and personal attributes allowed them to integrate different levels of leadership (i.e., senior managers and operational staff) to mobilise the collective, on-going work required for sustaining the programme. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Senior managers and clinicians in practice settings need to be aware that sustaining an intervention is an on-going, collective effort that continues post-implementation. Senior managers need to enable senior clinicians (who straddle strategic and operational functions) to have sufficient autonomy to access and mobilise resources and scope to restructure local systems and practice to support intervention sustainability. Operational staff need to be supported to have the practical know-how to deliver evidence-based intervention, which includes instilling the value of and a commitment for the interventions. Managers need to utilise dispersed leadership to empower and enthuse frontline clinicians to participate fully in the work to refine and sustain interventions, because it cannot be achieved by lone individuals.

Evaluation of the implementation of the Back Skills Training (BeST) programme using online training: a cohort implementation study

Objectives1) Evaluate implementation of the Back Skills Training (BeST) programme, a group cognitive behavioural approach for patients with low back pain (LBP) developed for a clinical trial, into the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom; 2) Compare patient outcomes with the BeST Trial results. DesignTwo stage observational cohort implementation study. ParticipantsStage 1: NHS Clinicians enrolled in BeST online training. Stage 2: Patients with LBP attending NHS physiotherapy departments and enrolled in the BeST programme. InterventionAn online training and implementation programme. OutcomesStage 1: LBP attitudes and beliefs, self-rated competence, intention and actual implementation were collected before, immediately, 4- and 12-months post-training. Stage 2: Patients rated pain, function, recovery and satisfaction before and up to one year after attending the BeST programme. ResultsStage 1: 1324 clinicians (157 NHS Trusts) enrolled in the training; 586 (44%) clinicians (101 NHS Trusts) completed training; 443/586 (76%) clinicians provided post-training data; 253/443 (57%) clinicians intended to implement the programme; 148/381 (39%) clinicians (54 NHS Trusts) provided follow-up data; 49/148 (33.1%) clinicians (27 NHS Trusts) implemented the programme. Attitudes and beliefs shifted towards a biopsychosocial model post-training. Stage 2: 923 patients were enrolled. Patients reported improvements in function (mean change: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.25, 1.86) and pain (−0.84; −1.1, −0.58) at follow-up. The majority rated themselves improved and satisfied with the programme. ConclusionOnline training had good reach into NHS Trusts although, not everyone went onto implement the programme. Improvements in function that were consistent with the original trial were demonstrated.

Implementing patient direct access to musculoskeletal physiotherapy in primary care: views of patients, general practitioners, physiotherapists and clinical commissioners in England

PurposeMusculoskeletal problems are the leading cause of chronic disability. Most patients in the UK seek initial care from general practitioners (GPs), who are struggling to meet demand. Patient direct access to National Health Service physiotherapy is one possible solution. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of patients, GPs, physiotherapists and clinical commissioners on direct access in a region in England with it commissioned. MethodsThe study was informed by Normalisation Process Theory (NTP). Data collection was via semi-structured individual face-to-face and telephone interviews with 22 patients and 20 health care professionals (HCPs). Data were analysed thematically using NPT. ResultsThree themes emerged: understanding physiotherapy and the direct access pathway; negotiating the pathway; making the pathway viable. HCPs saw direct access as acceptable. Whilst patients found the concept of direct access, those with complex conditions continued to see their GP as first point of contact. Some GPs and patients reported a lack of clarity around the pathway, reflected in ambiguous paperwork and inconsistent promotion. Operational challenges emerged in cross-disciplinary communication and between HCPs and patients, and lack of adequate resources. ConclusionDirect access to NHS musculoskeletal physiotherapy is acceptable to patients and HCPs. There is need to ensure: effective communication between HCPs and with patients, clarity on the scope of physiotherapy and the direct access pathway, and sufficient resources to meet demand. Patient direct access can free GPs to focus on those patients with more complex health conditions who are most in need of their care.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome in the UK National Health Service: A multicentre service evaluation.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating condition causing lateral hip pain. A recent randomized controlled trial (LEAP) demonstrated that exercise interventions for GTPS provided superior outcomes, compared with corticosteroid injection and wait-and-see approaches. However, participants were not patients seeking care and therefore may not have represented the typical patient seen within the National Health Service (NHS). The present service evaluation aimed to provide data on the characteristics of patients with GTPS presenting to NHS physiotherapy services, to enable consideration of the applicability of the findings of the LEAP trial to patients seeking care within the NHS. Four NHS sites provided anonymized data on patients presenting to their service with a primary complaint of GTPS. The data from 162 patients suggested that the typical patients presenting to the NHS with GTPS are female (73%), overweight (body mass index 28.5) and experiencing a 12-month or longer history of lateral hip pain (56.8%). Patients reported high levels of pain (visual analogue score 6.5), low health-related quality of life (EuroQol five-dimensions - 5-level score 0.6), coexisting medical conditions (79.0%) and high medication use (82.7%). Patients presenting to the NHS with GTPS appear to have multifactorial issues, with high levels of pain and disability, and are often medicated for multiple coexisting conditions. These characteristics differentiate them from patients recruited to the LEAP trial. Hence, it is unclear whether the findings of the LEAP trial are applicable to patients with GTPS who consult physiotherapy services in the NHS. Further research is warranted to evaluate this.

The experience of living with patellofemoral pain—loss, confusion and fear-avoidance: a UK qualitative study

ObjectivesTo investigate the experience of living with patellofemoral pain (PFP).DesignQualitative study design using semistructured interviews and analysed thematically using the guidelines set out by Braun and Clarke.SettingA National Health Service...

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial to investigate the addition of direct access to physiotherapy to usual GP-led primary care for adults with musculoskeletal pain: the STEMS pilot trial protocol (ISRCTN23378642).

BackgroundMusculoskeletal problems are common, accounting for up to 30 % of general practitioner (GP) consultations and are a major cause of chronic disability worldwide. Demand for health care for musculoskeletal conditions is likely to continue to rise given the ageing population and the increasing impact of these common painful conditions. Physiotherapists are well equipped to deliver evidence-based management for these conditions. Direct access allows patients to access physiotherapy without seeing their GP or another referring practitioner first; however, for most patients in the UK, access to National Health Service physiotherapy is controlled through GP referral.Methods/DesignThe aim of this pilot, pragmatic, cluster trial is to assess the feasibility of a future large trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the additional offer of direct access to physiotherapy versus continuing with usual GP-led primary care alone for adults with common musculoskeletal problems. The pilot will focus on process outcomes to assess feasibility, although performance of the likely outcomes of a main trial will also be assessed. This is a two-arm parallel, cluster RCT where GP practices are the units of randomisation (the clusters), yet data are collected from individual patients with musculoskeletal problems (the participants). A direct access service will be set up in the participating physiotherapy service to provide the option of direct access to patients of the intervention arm practices. Inclusion criteria are broad to reflect the ‘real-world’ operation of an NHS physiotherapy direct access service for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Data collection will be through patient self-reported questionnaires at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 months and medical record review.DiscussionNo previous trials have been conducted into direct access to physiotherapy for patients with musculoskeletal problems. The strengths of the STEMS pilot trial are its size, the length of follow-up, and collection of process, clinical and cost outcomes to fully inform a future main trial to meet calls to provide robust trial evidence of the impact on clinical outcomes, work loss and costs to provide clinicians and service funders with the high quality trial data they need to guide decisions on the best models of care.Trial registrationThe STEMS pilot trial is registered at Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN23378642Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40814-015-0020-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Survey of current physiotherapy practice for patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion in the United Kingdom.

Descriptive survey methodology employed a SurveyMonkey online questionnaire. To evaluate UK National Health Service physiotherapy practice for lumbar spinal fusion surgery. An increasing rate of surgery and high level of patient dis-satisfaction focus attention to rehabilitation of patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Inconclusive, very low-quality evidence for the effectiveness of physiotherapy management after lumbar spinal fusion exists. Best practice, therefore, remains unclear. Limited comparability of outcomes and retrieval of only 2 trials reflected a lack of research and considerable heterogeneity. An evaluation of current practice is required, to inform a future trial to evaluate a best practice physiotherapy intervention. Eligible participants were all physiotherapists working with patients undergoing spinal fusion. A previous survey and recent systematic review informed questions. Statistical analyses included responder characteristics and preplanned descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended question data. The 83.5% response rate was good. Findings illustrated varied provision relating to assessment and management of patients pre- and postoperatively. Physiotherapists employed limited use of protocols or guidelines, partly attributed to the poor evidence base for this surgery. Scope of practice included exercise, advice, listing for surgery, and ordering investigations. Patient education played an important role. Patient-centered practice was important, although constraints owing to limited resources (staffing, poor evidence, base/lack of protocols) were evident. Current UK pre- and postoperative physiotherapy practice for lumbar spinal fusion is described. It is not clear whether patients who are seen by physiotherapists have improved outcomes, owing to variability of practice, physiotherapy being delivered in a range of locations at a range of times postoperatively, and limited use of outcome measures. The findings support the need for a randomized clinical trial evaluating effectiveness of a best practice physiotherapy management intervention. 3.

Is Physiotherapy Self‐Referral with Telephone Triage Viable, Cost‐effective and Beneficial to Musculoskeletal Outpatients in a Primary Care Setting?

The aim of the present study was to establish if physiotherapy self-referral (SR) is viable, cost effective and beneficial to musculoskeletal outpatients in a primary care setting. In an urban National Health Service (NHS) primary care physiotherapy service, waiting times, attendance rates and treatment ratios (thus, episode-of-care costs) were deemed unsustainable. The introduction of 'Any Qualified Provider' is imminent and will drive NHS physiotherapy services to compete directly with private counterparts. Current literature, healthcare policy and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy strongly advocate SR to promote value for money and improve the patient experience. A repeated measure prospective cohort study introduced an SR pathway parallel to existing general practice (GP) referrals and compared costs, attendance and data relating to the patient experience across groups. SR referral groups were found to have a higher proportion of female patients presenting with acute conditions. Cost minimization analysis indicated an average 32.3% reduction in episode-of-care cost with an SR-initiated intervention. An estimated cost minimization of between £84,387.80 and £124,472.06 was calculated if SR were to be expanded service-wide. SR referral reduced waiting times and improved patient satisfaction relating to waiting times and communication compared with traditional pathways. The results of the present study showed that the introduction of the described SR pathway was feasible, cost-effective and offered comparable care. Certain aspects of the SR patient experience compared more favourably than those studied in traditional GP referral routes. They also added to an existing body of evidence supporting SR with a variety of administrative processes in various socioeconomic settings.

The Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Variations in Acceleration of Trunk Movement, Pain, and Disability During an Episode of Acute Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Pilot Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this preliminary study was demonstrate if it was feasible to evaluate variations in acceleration of trunk movement, pain, and disability during an episode of acute nonspecific low back pain comparing regular trunk exercises to regular exercises in addition to core stability exercises. MethodsA pilot randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate 33 participants recruited from a National Health Service physiotherapy musculoskeletal provider in the London district of Hillingdon. Participants were allocated to 2 groups; a regular exercise group (male, 2; female, 15) with a mean (SD) age of 35.8 (9.1) years and intervention group (male, 3; female, 13) with a mean (SD) age of 36.2 (9.8) years. The regular exercise group received exercise that consisted of a core stability class including both specific and global trunk exercises. The intervention group, in addition to these core exercises, received further instruction on 8 specific stabilization muscles involving the transversus abdominis and the lumbar multifidus. Trunk sagittal acceleration, pain, and disability were measured using a Lumbar Motion Monitor, pain visual analog scale, and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, respectively. Measures were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks, and a 3-month follow-up. Multiple regression with adjustment for baseline value was used to analyze each outcome. All outcomes were log transformed to correct skewness and so presented as ratio of geometric means with 95% confidence interval. ResultsDifferences in mean trunk sagittal acceleration between the regular exercise and intervention groups was not statistically significant at any time point (ratio of means [95% confidence interval]: 3 weeks 1.2 [0.9-1.6], P = .2; 6 weeks 1.1 [0.8-1.5], P = .7; 3 months: 1.2 [0.8-1.9], P = .9). Similarly, the effects on neither pain score nor disability score were significant (pain score: 3 weeks 1.3 [0.8-2.2], P = .3); 6 weeks 1.2 [0.7-2.0], P = .6; 3 months 1.0 [0.5-1.9], P = 1.0); disability score: 6 weeks 1.0 [0.7-1.5], P = 1.0; 3 months 1.3 [0.8-1.9], P = .3). Outcome measures for both groups improved over time. ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated that a study of this nature is feasible. Both the regular exercise and the intervention groups demonstrated improvements in mean trunk sagittal acceleration at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. The preliminary findings showed that evidence was inconclusive for the beneficial effect of adding specific core stability exercises for acute low back pain. The results of this study demonstrated an increase in acceleration accompanied by a reduction in pain, which may suggest that acute nonspecific low back pain may induce the pain-spasm-pain model rather than the pain adaptation model.

Does thoracic manipulation increase shoulder range of movement in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome? A pilot study

AbstractAimThis pilot study was designed to assess the effect of thoracic manipulation on shoulder range and function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).MethodsPatients attending a National Health Service physiotherapy department with SIS were considered for inclusion. Participants were randomized into one of two groups. Both groups received weekly physiotherapy for a maximum of 6 weeks. In addition, the experimental group received thoracic spinal manipulation. Outcome measures were shoulder range and function measured by a goniometer and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score, respectively.ResultsNine participants were recruited; eight completed the study. Both groups improved, but numbers were inadequate for statistically significant conclusions.ConclusionsThis pilot study confirms the practicality of the study design used: a longer recruitment period and multicentre involvement is recommended together with a cost–benefit analysis.

Group treatments for sensitive health care problems: a randomised controlled trial of group versus individual physiotherapy sessions for female urinary incontinence

BackgroundThe aim was to compare effectiveness of group versus individual sessions of physiotherapy in terms of symptoms, quality of life, and costs, and to investigate the effect of patient preference on uptake and outcome of treatment.MethodsA pragmatic, multi-centre randomised controlled trial in five British National Health Service physiotherapy departments. 174 women with stress and/or urge incontinence were randomised to receive treatment from a physiotherapist delivered in a group or individual setting over three weekly sessions. Outcome were measured as Symptom Severity Index; Incontinence-related Quality of Life questionnaire; National Health Service costs, and out of pocket expenses.ResultsThe majority of women expressed no preference (55%) or preference for individual treatment (36%). Treatment attendance was good, with similar attendance with both service delivery models. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in symptom severity or quality of life outcomes between the models. Over 85% of women reported a subjective benefit of treatment, with a slightly higher rating in the individual compared with the group setting. When all health care costs were considered, average cost per patient was lower for group sessions (Mean cost difference £52.91 95%, confidence interval (£25.82 - £80.00)).ConclusionIndications are that whilst some women may have an initial preference for individual treatment, there are no substantial differences in the symptom, quality of life outcomes or non-attendance. Because of the significant difference in mean cost, group treatment is recommended.Trial RegistrationTrial Registration number: ISRCTN 16772662

An observational study of physiotherapists’ use of cognitive-behavioural principles in the management of patients with back pain and neck pain

Objectives This study investigated the extent to which physiotherapists collaborating in a randomised trial comparing the McKenzie approach with a Solution Finding Approach (SFA) for back pain or neck pain involved patients in the consultation, and empowered patients to develop self-management strategies. The aims were to develop a tool for this purpose and to identify any observed differences between the consultations in these two approaches. Design An observational study, conducted within a randomised trial (McKABI trial). Setting Patients referred to seven National Health Service physiotherapy departments in West and East Yorkshire. Participants The observational study collected data from 10 of the 28 physiotherapists participating in the McKABI trial. Main outcome measures The involvement and empowerment scales of the Involvement and Empowerment of Patients in Physiotherapy Assessment Rating Tool (IMPART). Results Although not widely used, physiotherapists employed significantly more patient involvement and empowerment strategies with the SFA compared with the McKenzie approach. The median (interquartile range)/total possible scores were: SFA 19 (18), McKenzie 10 (4.5)/60 for involvement; and SFA 27 (8), McKenzie 11 (10)/64 for empowerment. Conclusions Most physiotherapists were able to switch between the two approaches without significant overlap in techniques. Psychosocial questioning and goal-setting were under-utilised by most physiotherapists. Implementing the SFA protocol appeared to be more difficult than the McKenzie approach, possibly because the SFA was less reliant on a structured format. Physiotherapists may have required more training to enable them to deliver the SFA effectively. The IMPART was a reliable measure of physiotherapists’ involvement and empowerment strategies.

A prospective study of patients with chronic back pain randomised to group exercise, physiotherapy or osteopathy

Objective To investigate the difference in outcome between patients treated with group exercise, physiotherapy or osteopathy. Design Prospective study of patients referred at random to one of three treatments, with follow-up 6 weeks after discharge and after 12 months. Setting National Health Service physiotherapy department at St Albans City Hospital, part of the West Hertfordshire Musculoskeletal Therapy Service. Participants Two hundred and thirty-nine patients aged 18–65 years recruited from referrals to the physiotherapy department with chronic low back pain. Interventions Eligible patients were randomised to group exercises led by a physiotherapist, one-to-one predominantly manipulative physiotherapy, or osteopathy. Main outcomes Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5D, shuttle walking test and patients’ subjective responses to pain and treatment. Results All three treatments indicated comparable reductions in mean (95% confidence intervals) ODI at 6-week follow-up: group exercise, −4.5 (−0.9 to −8.0); physiotherapy, −4.1 (−1.4 to −6.9); and osteopathy, −5.0 (−1.6 to −8.4). Attendance rates were significantly lower among the group exercise patients. One-to-one therapies provided evidence of greater patient satisfaction. Conclusion The study supports the use of a variety of approaches for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Particular attention needs to be given to the problems of attracting enough participants for group sessions, as these can be difficult to schedule in ways that are convenient for different participants.