Kim Allison1, Jenny Setchell2, Thorlene Egerton3, Clare Delany4, Kim L Bennell3. 1. Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 160 Barry St, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. 2. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. 3. Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne. 4. Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne.
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: Kim L Bennell; Sarah E Jones; Rana S Hinman; Fiona McManus; Karen E Lamb; Jonathan G Quicke; Priya Sumithran; Jodie Prendergast; Elena S George; Melanie A Holden; Nadine E Foster; Kim Allison Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2022-07-30 Impact factor: 2.562
Authors: Martin Stevens; Inge van den Akker-Scheek; Sjoukje E Bouma; Juliette F E van Beek; Ron L Diercks; Lucas H V van der Woude Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-02-01 Impact factor: 2.692