The Perspectives and Experiences of Physiotherapists on Implementing Self-Management Support in Inpatient Hospital Settings.
Jenna Kay Boyd, Sarah Rhodes, Emily Anne Gray
PMID 39865617WHAT IT FOUND
Physiotherapists value self-management support but struggle to implement it due to time pressures and patient passivity.
They rely heavily on education and problem-solving while neglecting goal-setting. Upskilling assistants and using group education were suggested as ways to manage workload.
Key findings
01Education and problem-solving were the most common self-management strategies used, while goal-setting was rarely mentioned.
02Lack of time and understaffing were the primary barriers, despite participants believing self-management could eventually reduce workload.
03Suggested solutions included upskilling physiotherapy assistants, using pre-printed resources, and conducting group education sessions.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (8 participants). Participants were predominantly New Zealand European, limiting cultural applicability. The study explored physiotherapists' perspectives only, not patient outcomes or actual clinical effectiveness. Interviews were conducted by a student, which may have influenced the depth or nature of responses.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that self-management support improves patient outcomes. The study reports therapists' perceptions and barriers, not clinical results, so it cannot confirm that the suggested strategies actually work.