Physiotherapists’ views on patient handling, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and the potential role of targeted exercise in preparing for occupational demands

Pavlova, A., Cooper, K., Deane, J., Hart-Winks, E., Hemming, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8708-5638 and Johnson, K. 2024. Physiotherapists’ views on patient handling, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and the potential role of targeted exercise in preparing for occupational demands. Presented at: The Society for Back Pain Research (SBPR) 2024 Annual General Meeting: “Innovation in Research and Management of Spine Pain”, Aberdeen, Scotland, 13-14 June 2024. Orthopaedic Proceedings. , vol.106-B (15) 10.1302/1358-992X.2024.15.041

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Abstract

Purpose and background: Nearly 70% of UK physiotherapists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) during their career, with a significant proportion occurring in the back and being attributed to patient handling tasks. Evidence suggests that manual handling training alone is ineffective and interventions among nurses indicate that a tailored approach, including targeted exercise (TE), can reduce WRMSD rates. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ perspectives of WRMSDs, patient handling, and the role of TE in reducing WRMSDs among physiotherapists. Methods and Results: Key informant interviews were conducted with 4 physiotherapy operational leads and 1 manual handling trainer from NHS Grampian. Interviews were transcribed and Framework Analysis was utilised to identify key themes, including challenges, barriers, and facilitators. Following this, two online focus groups were conducted with 7 qualified NHS physiotherapists across the UK. Views of manual handling training varied across specialities, with some finding it comprehensive and adaptable, and others finding it less applicable to patients in their speciality or community setting. Physiotherapist views on fitness for work varied, with some highlighting the necessity of TE to ensure workforce health whilst others considered exercise to be a personal matter. Facilitators to implementation identified by participants were having support from management and a strong justification for the exercise content. Varied work schedules and facilities were identified as barriers to implementation of a work-based TE intervention. Conclusion: Varying perspectives on TE interventions and barriers to implementation were identified. This work will inform future research to develop TE interventions in consultation with key stakeholders.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Funders:	NHS Endowment Research Grant 22/001
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 September 2024
Date of Acceptance:	7 August 2024
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2024 10:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171922

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