Physiotherapists’ experiences with a blended osteoarthritis intervention: a mixed methods study

Authors Corelien Kloek, Daniël Bossen, Herman J. de Vries, Dinny H. de Bakker, Cindy Veenhof, Joost Dekker
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
Publication date 2020
Research groups Innovation of Movement Care
Type Article

Summary

E-Exercise is an effective 12-week blended intervention consisting of around five face-to-face physiotherapy sessions and a web-based application for patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis. In order to facilitate effective implementation of e-Exercise, this study aims to identify physiotherapists' experiences and determinants related to the usage of e-Exercise. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design embedded in a randomized controlled trial comparing e-Exercise with usual physiotherapy in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis. Usage of e-Exercise was based on recruitment rates of 123 physiotherapists allocated to e-Exercise and objective web-based application usage data. Experiences and determinants related to e-Exercise usage were investigated with a questionnaire and clarified with semi-structured interviews. Results: Of the 123 physiotherapists allocated to e-Exercise, 54 recruited more than one eligible patient, of whom 10 physiotherapists continued using e-Exercise after the study period. Physiotherapists had mixed experiences with e-Exercise. Determinants related to intervention usage were appropriateness, added value, time, workload, professional autonomy, environmental factors, and financial consequences. Physiotherapists recommended to improve the ability to tailor e-Exercise to the individual needs of the patient patients' individual needs. Discussion: Determinants related to the usage of e-Exercise provided valuable information for the implementation of e-Exercise on broader scale. Most importantly, the flexibility of e-Exercise needs to be improved. Next, there is a need for education on how to integrate an online program within physiotherapy

On this publication contributed

  • Corelien Kloek | Researcher | Research group Innovation of Movement Care
    Corelien Kloek
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Innovation of Movement Care
  • Cindy Veenhof portret
    Cindy Veenhof
    • Professor
    • Research group: Innovation of Movement Care

Language English
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
Year and volume 36 5
Key words physiotherapy, e-health, implementation, osteoarthritis
Digital Object Identifier 10.1080/09593985.2018.1489926.
Page range 572-579

Corelien Kloek

Corelien Kloek | Researcher | Research group Innovation of Movement Care

Corelien Kloek

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Innovation of Movement Care