Patient-centeredness in physiotherapy: What does it entail? A systematic review of qualitative studies

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice Vol. 33; no. 11; pp. 825 - 840
• Main Authors: Wijma, Amarins J, Bletterman, Anouck N, Clark, Jacqui R, Vervoort, Sigrid C.J.M, Beetsma, Anneke, Keizer, Doeke, Nijs, Jo, Van Wilgen, C. Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02.11.2017
• Subjects: Communication; Goals; Humans; Models (theoretical); Patient Education as Topic; Patient-Centered Care; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Therapy Specialty - standards; physiotherapy; Precision Medicine; qualitative research; qualitative review; review; Social Support; qualitative review; qualitative research; patient-centered care; physiotherapy; review; Models (theoretical)
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2017.1357151

Purpose: The literature review is aimed at examining and summarizing themes related to patient-centeredness identified in qualitative research from the perspectives of patients and physiotherapists. Following the review, a secondary aim was to synthesize the themes to construct a proposed conceptual framework for utilization within physiotherapy. Methods: A systematic search of qualitative studies was conducted including all articles up to 2015 September. Methodological quality was examined with a checklist. The studies were examined for themes suggestive of the practice of patient centeredness from perspective of the therapists and/or the patients. Data were extracted using a data extraction form and analyzed following "thematic synthesis." Results: Fourteen articles were included. Methodological quality was high in five studies. Eight major descriptive themes and four subthemes (ST) were identified. The descriptive themes were: individuality (ST "Getting to know the patient" and ST "Individualized treatment"), education, communication (ST "Non-verbal communication"), goal setting, support (ST "Empowerment"), social characteristics of a patient-centered physiotherapist, a confident physiotherapist, and knowledge and skills of a patient-centered physiotherapist. Conclusions: Patient-centeredness in physiotherapy entails the characteristics of offering an individualized treatment, continuous communication (verbal and non-verbal), education during all aspects of treatment, working with patient-defined goals in a treatment in which the patient is supported and empowered with a physiotherapist having social skills, being confident and showing specific knowledge.