Article

Physical therapists' management of patients with nonspecific low back
pain (NSLBP) has been found to be associated with their beliefs and attitudes
toward NSLBP, as well as with guideline recommendations. Greater knowledge of
physical therapists' experiences and feelings of treating patients with NSLBP may
help to explain these associations and increase our understanding of some of the
challenges physical therapists face when treating patients with NSLBP in clinical
practice. The objective of this study was to understand more about
how the personal experiences and feelings of physical therapists might influence
their decision making when treating patients with NSLBP. DESIGN: This was a
qualitative study using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach and
practitioner-as-researcher model. METHODS: Eleven semistructured interviews with
physical therapists were conducted and analyzed using the hermeneutical circle to
identify key themes relating to their experiences and feelings in treating
patients with NSLBP. RESULTS: Three linked themes emerged: (1) physical
therapists believe that NSLBP has an underlying mechanical and recurring nature,
(2) physical therapists' attitude toward managing NSLBP is to empower patients to
exercise and self-manage their pain and functional problems, and (3) physical
therapists experience feelings of tension between the advice and treatment they
feel is best for their patient and the patient's own beliefs and attitudes.
CONCLUSIONS: The experiences and feelings of physical therapists treating
patients with NSLBP include conflict among their pain beliefs, attitudes, and
working partnerships with patients. Treatment decisions may be influenced when
physical therapists modify their beliefs and attitudes to reduce this sense of
conflict. Improving physical therapist communication skills may help decrease
feelings of conflict, enhance working relationships, and encourage a more
consistent approach toward patients with NSLBP.

Langue : ANGLAIS