Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators—A Scoping Review

Han van Dijk; Albère J. A. Köke; Stefan Elbers; Jurgen Mollema; Rob J. E. M. Smeets; Harriet Wittink

doi:10.3390/ijerph20021634

journal article Open Access Jan 16, 2023

Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators—A Scoping Review

Han van Dijk

Albère J. A. Köke

Stefan Elbers

Jurgen Mollema Rob J. E. M. Smeets

Harriet Wittink

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20 No. 2 pp. 1634 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/ijerph20021634

Abstract

The use of the biopsychosocial model in primary care physiotherapy for chronic pain is far from the recommendations given in research and current guidelines. To understand why physiotherapists have difficulty implementing a biopsychosocial approach, more insight is needed on the barriers and facilitators. This scoping review aimed to investigate and map these barriers and facilitators that physiotherapists working in primary care reportedly face when treating patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain from a biopsychosocial perspective. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and ERIC) and the grey literature were searched. Studies were included if they investigated the experiences of physiotherapists in the treatment of chronic pain from a biopsychosocial perspective in primary care. Extracted data were discussed and sub grouped in themes following a qualitative content analysis approach. To align with current use of theories on behavior change, the resulting themes were compared to the Theoretical Domains Framework. After screening, twenty-four studies were included. Eight groups of barriers and facilitators were identified, thematically clustered in six themes: knowledge, skills, and attitudes; environmental context and resources; role clarity; confidence; therapeutic alliance; and patient expectations. The results of this review can be used to inform the development of implementation programs.

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Details

Published: Jan 16, 2023
Vol/Issue: 20(2)
Pages: 1634
License: View

Authors

H

Han van Dijk

Research Group Lifestyle and Health, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands

A

Albère J. A. Köke

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, 6432 CC Hoensbroek, The Netherlands; Department Physiotherapy, Zuyd University for Applied Sciences, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Pain in Motion International Research Group (PiM), 1050 Brussels, Belgium

S

Stefan Elbers

Kantar Public, Behavioural Insights & Communications, 1079 LH Amsterdam, The Netherlands

J

Jurgen Mollema

Research Group Lifestyle and Health, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands

R

Rob J. E. M. Smeets

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; Pain in Motion International Research Group (PiM), 1050 Brussels, Belgium; CIR Rehabilitation, 5628 WB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

H

Harriet Wittink

Research Group Lifestyle and Health, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands

Funding

RAAK Publiek Award: RAAK PUB06.014

Cite This Article

Han van Dijk, Albère J. A. Köke, Stefan Elbers, et al. (2023). Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators—A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021634

Physiotherapists Using the Biopsychosocial Model for Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators—A Scoping Review

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