Article

Despite the increasing evidence that illness perceptions should be
addressed in patients, there is a lack of studies evaluating whether
physiotherapists question illness perceptions. This study, using a mixed-methods
design, investigates the integration of illness perceptions during the first
consultation of physiotherapists treating patients with low back pain (LBP).
METHODS: Thirty-four physiotherapists performed usual history taking in a patient
with non-specific LBP. The interview was audiotaped and illness perceptions were
indexed using an observational instrument, based on the domains of Leventhal's
Common Sense Model. Patients were also asked to fill in the Illness Perception
Questionnaire-Revised for LBP. RESULTS: Physiotherapists assessed the illness
identity, also perceptions regarding the (physical) cause and controllability of
LBP were evaluated. Illness perceptions, such as timeline, consequences,
coherence and emotional representation, were poorly assessed. Results of the
questionnaire reveal that LBP-patients report overuse, workload and bad posture
as primary cause. Patients held positive beliefs about the controllability and
have high illness coherence. CONCLUSION: Belgian physiotherapists mainly question
bio-medically oriented illness perceptions, e.g. physical symptoms and causes,
but do not sufficiently address psychosocially oriented illness perceptions as
recommended in LBP guidelines. Implications for Rehabilitation Belgian
physiotherapists mainly question biomedical oriented illness perceptions (illness
identity, provoking factors and treatment control) in patients with low back pain
(LBP) during the history taking (i.e. the first consultation).
From a bio-psycho-social view psychosocially oriented illness perceptions should be
incorporated in the daily routine of physiotherapist's to comply with the
bio-psycho-social treatment guidelines for LBP. Continuing education is mandatory
in order to improve physiotherapists' knowledge regarding the use of all
dimensions of illness perceptions in the assessment of patients with LBP.

Langue : ANGLAIS