Ute Breese1, Russell French. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0624, USA. breese@etsu.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the content and features of the patient education program provided by physical therapists for the management of an acute nonspecific low back pain condition, and to compare study results with literature recommendations with a special focus on adult learning. METHODS: Six hundred survey questionnaires were mailed to a national sample of physical therapists who were asked to complete a questionnaire based on a patient case study. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-four completed surveys were returned, resulting in a 44.0% response rate. DISCUSSION: The findings indicated that the patient education program provided by physical therapists can be considered relevant to adult learning theories. Features of the program, such as promoting self-care, dispelling misconceptions, and developing a collaborative relationship between physical therapist and patient, can be considered beneficial for adult learning. CONCLUSION: Specific to an acute low back pain condition, physical therapists in the current study provided a patient education program which draws on principles from the professional, orthopaedic, and adult education literature.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the content and features of the patient education program provided by physical therapists for the management of an acute nonspecific low back pain condition, and to compare study results with literature recommendations with a special focus on adult learning. METHODS: Six hundred survey questionnaires were mailed to a national sample of physical therapists who were asked to complete a questionnaire based on a patient case study. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-four completed surveys were returned, resulting in a 44.0% response rate. DISCUSSION: The findings indicated that the patient education program provided by physical therapists can be considered relevant to adult learning theories. Features of the program, such as promoting self-care, dispelling misconceptions, and developing a collaborative relationship between physical therapist and patient, can be considered beneficial for adult learning. CONCLUSION: Specific to an acute low back pain condition, physical therapists in the current study provided a patient education program which draws on principles from the professional, orthopaedic, and adult education literature.