Physiotherapy - Research Publications

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    General practitioners’ views on managing knee osteoarthritis: a thematic analysis of factors influencing clinical practice guideline implementation in primary care
    Egerton, T ; Nelligan, RK ; SETCHELL, J ; Atkins, L ; Bennell, KL (Biomed Central, 2018)
    Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed and managed primarily by general practitioners (GPs). OA guidelines recommend using clinical criteria, without x-ray, for diagnosis, and advising strengthening exercise, aerobic activity and, if appropriate, weight loss as first-line treatments. These recommendations are often not implemented by GPs. To facilitate GP uptake of guidelines, greater understanding of GP practice behaviour is required. This qualitative study identified key factors influencing implementation of these recommendations in the primary-care setting. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with eleven GPs were conducted, transcribed verbatim, coded by two independent researchers and analysed with an interpretive thematic approach using the COM-B model (Capability/Opportunity/Motivation-Behaviour) as a framework. Results: Eleven themes were identified. Psychological capability themes: knowledge gaps, confidence to effectively manage OA, and skills to facilitate lifestyle change. Physical opportunity themes: system-related factors including time limitations, and patient resources. Social opportunity theme: influences from patients. Reflective motivation themes: GP's perceived role, and assumptions about people with knee OA. Automatic motivation themes: optimism, habit, and unease discussing weight. The findings demonstrated diverse and interacting influences on GPs' practice. Conclusion: The identified themes provide insight into potential interventions to improve OA management in primary-care settings. Key suggestions include: improvements to OA clinical guidelines; targeting GP education to focus on identified knowledge gaps, confidence, and communication skills; development and implementation of new models of service delivery; and utilising positive social influences to facilitate best-practice behaviours. Complex, multimodal interventions that address multiple factors (both barriers and facilitators) are likely to be necessary.
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    General practitioners' perspectives on a proposed new model of service delivery for primary care management of knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study
    Egerton, T ; Nelligan, R ; Setchell, J ; Atkins, L ; Bennell, KL (BMC, 2017-09-07)
    BACKGROUND: Effective management of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) requires development of new models of care, and successful implementation relies on engagement of general practitioners (GPs). This study used a qualitative methodology to identify potential factors influencing GPs' engagement with a proposed new model of service delivery to provide evidence-based care for patients with knee OA and achieve better patient outcomes. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews with 11 GPs were conducted. Based on a theoretical model of behaviour, interview questions were designed to elicit perspectives on a remotely-delivered (telephone-based) service to support behaviour change and self-management for patients with knee OA, with a focus on exercise and weight loss. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach, and GPs' opinions were organised using the APEASE (affordability, practicability, effectiveness, acceptability, safety/side effects and equity) criteria as themes. RESULTS: GPs expressed concerns about potential for confusion, incongruence of information and advice, disconnect with other schemes and initiatives, loss of control of patient care, lack of belief in the need and benefits of proposed service, resistance to change because of lack of familiarity with the procedures and the service, and reluctance to trust in the skills and abilities of the health professionals providing the care support. GPs also recognised the potential benefits of the extra support for patients, and improved access for remote patients to clinicians with specialist knowledge. CONCLUSION: The findings can be used to optimise implementation and engagement with a remotely-delivered 'care support team' model by GPs.