An Evaluation of a Pain Education Programme for Physiotherapists in Clinical Practice

Objective: This study evaluates the implementation and acceptability of a pain education programme delivered to physiotherapists in clinical practice. Methods: A pre test post test design with ten physiotherapists was employed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for outcome measure data. Focus groups were carried out with seven physiotherapists within one month post intervention. This data was analysed using the Framework Approach. Results: Ten musculoskeletal physiotherapists were recruited. It was possible to develop and deliver the intervention and this was found to be acceptable to physiotherapists within clinical practice. The study explored trends within outcome measures; and the outcome measures were considered to be appropriate. The focus groups yielded three interlinked themes, which related to the impact of the programme: “providing a context for pain education”, “influence on aspects of the patient-therapist encounter” and “logistics of the education programme in clinical practice”. Conclusion: A pain education programme delivered to physiotherapists in clinical practice was both possible to deliver and acceptable to participants. A key strength of the programme was the applicability to real life practice, and something which physiotherapists valued. Whilst physiotherapists felt pain neurophysiology education was important, physiotherapists reported lacking confidence in implementing their pain neurophysiology knowledge with patients. Thus more time is needed to focus on pain neurophysiology education with the aim to increasing confidence with application of this approach in clinical practice