Podium 5
Tracks
Plenary Room
| Friday, September 6, 2024 |
| 4:55 PM - 5:25 PM |
| Plenary Room Auditorium |
Speaker
Dr Richard Ellis
Associate Professor
Auckland University Of Technology
Understanding musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Aotearoa: an exploration of musculoskeletal physiotherapists’ perspectives of practice.
Presentation Abstract
Background: A contemporary musculoskeletal physiotherapy curriculum taught in Aotearoa must be responsive to the unique contexts of Aotearoa that shape healthcare and clinical practice. However, more needs to be formally known about what it means to be a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Aotearoa, to influence physiotherapy education.
Purpose: Inquiry into contemporary perspectives and the physiotherapy landscape in Aotearoa is needed to inform the newest generations of physiotherapists and guide future curriculum development. We sought to understand what clinicians perceive as shaping musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Aotearoa.
Methods: Fifteen musculoskeletal physiotherapists practising across the country were purposely recruited and interviewed. We used a qualitative Interpretive Descriptive approach alongside a reflexive thematic analysis framework. TN and RE coded data, and the research team contributed to the theme structure
Results: Four themes were constructed. Theme 1, ‘Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is much more’, described a narrow public view of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. In Theme 2, ‘Evidence versus (patient) expectations’, participants shared tensions between patient expectations and best practice, alongside value being placed in the privilege of therapeutic touch. Theme 3, ‘Being conflicted’, referred to professional conflicts shaped by bespoke Aotearoa conditions. Theme 4, ‘My navigator’, explored the need for patient support to navigate the health system, alongside professional mentorship and career support.
Conclusion: The participants shared valuable insights that influenced their musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice alongside their views of contemporary education development in Aotearoa. Challenges identified by the participants centred around the perception of physiotherapy, balancing research evidence and professional expectation, maintaining professional identity, and the need for advocacy and mentoring.
Implications: Physiotherapy is a global profession, with similarities in practice internationally. However, Aotearoa is a unique country that shapes many aspects of our lives, including our professional identity. Future generations of musculoskeletal physiotherapists need to appreciate and embrace the unique cultural influences that shape their practice.
Purpose: Inquiry into contemporary perspectives and the physiotherapy landscape in Aotearoa is needed to inform the newest generations of physiotherapists and guide future curriculum development. We sought to understand what clinicians perceive as shaping musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Aotearoa.
Methods: Fifteen musculoskeletal physiotherapists practising across the country were purposely recruited and interviewed. We used a qualitative Interpretive Descriptive approach alongside a reflexive thematic analysis framework. TN and RE coded data, and the research team contributed to the theme structure
Results: Four themes were constructed. Theme 1, ‘Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is much more’, described a narrow public view of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. In Theme 2, ‘Evidence versus (patient) expectations’, participants shared tensions between patient expectations and best practice, alongside value being placed in the privilege of therapeutic touch. Theme 3, ‘Being conflicted’, referred to professional conflicts shaped by bespoke Aotearoa conditions. Theme 4, ‘My navigator’, explored the need for patient support to navigate the health system, alongside professional mentorship and career support.
Conclusion: The participants shared valuable insights that influenced their musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice alongside their views of contemporary education development in Aotearoa. Challenges identified by the participants centred around the perception of physiotherapy, balancing research evidence and professional expectation, maintaining professional identity, and the need for advocacy and mentoring.
Implications: Physiotherapy is a global profession, with similarities in practice internationally. However, Aotearoa is a unique country that shapes many aspects of our lives, including our professional identity. Future generations of musculoskeletal physiotherapists need to appreciate and embrace the unique cultural influences that shape their practice.
Biography
Richard is an Associate Professor in the Physiotherapy Department at AUT. Richard also leads the Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa research team within the School of Clinical Sciences at AUT. Richard teaches on the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programmes in the fields of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, manual therapy, ultrasound imaging and research. One of Richard’s research interests is in physiotherapy education, particularly in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The topic of this presentation stemmed from a keenness to explore what it means to be a musculoskeletal physiotherapist practising in Aotearoa, so that this understanding can be incorporated through the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum at AUT.
Dr Julia Hill
Senior Lecturer
Auckland University Of Technology
Exploring publicly-funded physiotherapy services for people with low back pain and osteoarthritis in Aotearoa
Presentation Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis and low back pain (LBP) are the most common chronic musculoskeletal conditions in adults in Aotearoa, affecting approximately 13% and 9% of the population, respectively. Physiotherapists are commonly involved in managing both conditions. However, little is known about the range of publicly funded physiotherapy services available to people with osteoarthritis and LBP across Aotearoa.
Purpose: This study aimed to describe physiotherapy services and clinical pathways delivered across Aotearoa's 20 District Health Boards (DHBs*) for people with osteoarthritis and LBP.
Method: Semi-structured interviews with fourteen DHB physiotherapists occurred between March 2022 and August 2023. Interview questions focused on describing clinical services for people with osteoarthritis, and LBP. Data were analysed using direct content analysis.
Results: Four main themes were identified: the ambiguity of primary, secondary, and tertiary care (overlap of services and different designations), organizational structure, getting into the system and what is on offer. An overarching theme was the variation in service provision, organisational structure, and people's experiences navigating the system.
Conclusion: Our study shows significant inequities in healthcare services for people with osteoarthritis and LBP. It highlights the necessity of implementing systematic changes to ensure fair access to high-quality treatment, irrespective of payment status, ethnicity, or geographical location. This requires addressing these concerns at relevant forums and policy-making platforms.
Impact: Our findings demonstrate that while a diverse range of services are available for people with osteoarthritis or LBP, the lack of consistency may lead to inequities in patient experience, depending on location and ability to navigate the healthcare system. This inconsistency in service delivery could potentially cause confusion for patients, healthcare providers, and funders, resulting in gaps and overlaps in care. This is crucial for all stakeholders in the healthcare system.
*NB DHB used as Te Whatu Ora to be established at the time of data collection
Purpose: This study aimed to describe physiotherapy services and clinical pathways delivered across Aotearoa's 20 District Health Boards (DHBs*) for people with osteoarthritis and LBP.
Method: Semi-structured interviews with fourteen DHB physiotherapists occurred between March 2022 and August 2023. Interview questions focused on describing clinical services for people with osteoarthritis, and LBP. Data were analysed using direct content analysis.
Results: Four main themes were identified: the ambiguity of primary, secondary, and tertiary care (overlap of services and different designations), organizational structure, getting into the system and what is on offer. An overarching theme was the variation in service provision, organisational structure, and people's experiences navigating the system.
Conclusion: Our study shows significant inequities in healthcare services for people with osteoarthritis and LBP. It highlights the necessity of implementing systematic changes to ensure fair access to high-quality treatment, irrespective of payment status, ethnicity, or geographical location. This requires addressing these concerns at relevant forums and policy-making platforms.
Impact: Our findings demonstrate that while a diverse range of services are available for people with osteoarthritis or LBP, the lack of consistency may lead to inequities in patient experience, depending on location and ability to navigate the healthcare system. This inconsistency in service delivery could potentially cause confusion for patients, healthcare providers, and funders, resulting in gaps and overlaps in care. This is crucial for all stakeholders in the healthcare system.
*NB DHB used as Te Whatu Ora to be established at the time of data collection
Biography
Julia is a senior lecturer at AUT working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Her research interests include low back pain in adults and children and stratified care models. She is interested in mobilising knowledge from research findings into clinical practice.
Many thanks to our sponsors
If you need help at any stage, please contact us:
+64 21 0271 7606
events@twelveconferences.nz
