First-contact physiotherapists' perceived competency in a new model of care for low back pain patients: a mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A new advanced practice model of care enables French physiotherapists to perform medical acts for low back pain (LBP) patients as first-contact physiotherapists (FCPs).

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the self-perceived competency of FCPs and to further explore factors underpinning this feeling.

Methods

A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was conducted. A survey was used to self-assess the perceived competency of FCPs in performing medical tasks. Semi-structured interviews were then performed to explore determining factors of perceived competency. Inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Nine FCPs answered the survey and were interviewed (mean age 40.1, standard deviation [SD]: ±10.0). FCPs felt very competent with

SUBMITTER: Kechichian A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11403588 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature