In Theory, Yes; in Practice, Uncertain: A Qualitative Study Exploring Physical Therapists' Attitudes Toward Their Roles in Weight Management for People With Knee Osteoarthritis.
Journal
Physical therapy
ISSN: 1538-6724
Titre abrégé: Phys Ther
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0022623
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 05 2019
01 05 2019
Historique:
accepted:
23
10
2018
received:
20
12
2017
pubmed:
5
2
2019
medline:
18
12
2019
entrez:
5
2
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Physical therapists are at the frontline of treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). International guidelines recommend weight loss for individuals with knee OA who are overweight, and research indicates that patients believe it is appropriate for physical therapists to address weight. The objective was to explore physical therapists' attitudes about their role in weight management for people with OA. This was a qualitative semistructured telephone interview study. Participants included 13 purposively sampled physical therapists who had treated at least 1 patient with knee OA within the past 12 months. Each participated in a telephone interview exploring their perceptions and attitudes toward the role of physical therapists in providing weight management support for people with knee OA. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Three main themes were identified, which highlighted that physical therapists: (1) believe they have a role in facilitating weight loss for people with knee OA; (2) are uncertain how to integrate weight loss into their management; and (3) are conscious of the psychosocial complexities and the need to tread cautiously around weight management. Physical therapists are aware of the importance of weight loss in the management of knee OA, and believe weight management falls within their role and responsibilities; however, they do not feel equipped to fulfill this role. They also acknowledge the weight management conversation as potentially sensitive. This study highlights the need for training opportunities to develop physical therapists' skills and confidence in weight management for people with knee OA who are overweight, including consideration of the potential harms and benefits of this aspect of care.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Physical therapists are at the frontline of treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). International guidelines recommend weight loss for individuals with knee OA who are overweight, and research indicates that patients believe it is appropriate for physical therapists to address weight.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to explore physical therapists' attitudes about their role in weight management for people with OA.
DESIGN
This was a qualitative semistructured telephone interview study.
METHODS
Participants included 13 purposively sampled physical therapists who had treated at least 1 patient with knee OA within the past 12 months. Each participated in a telephone interview exploring their perceptions and attitudes toward the role of physical therapists in providing weight management support for people with knee OA. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.
RESULTS
Three main themes were identified, which highlighted that physical therapists: (1) believe they have a role in facilitating weight loss for people with knee OA; (2) are uncertain how to integrate weight loss into their management; and (3) are conscious of the psychosocial complexities and the need to tread cautiously around weight management.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical therapists are aware of the importance of weight loss in the management of knee OA, and believe weight management falls within their role and responsibilities; however, they do not feel equipped to fulfill this role. They also acknowledge the weight management conversation as potentially sensitive. This study highlights the need for training opportunities to develop physical therapists' skills and confidence in weight management for people with knee OA who are overweight, including consideration of the potential harms and benefits of this aspect of care.
Identifiants
pubmed: 30715519
pii: 5304993
doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzz011
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
601-611Informations de copyright
© 2019 American Physical Therapy Association.