Qualitative study exploring the factors influencing physical therapy management of early knee osteoarthritis in Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Increasingly, there is emphasis on identifying and initiating treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in the early phases of the disease. This study aimed to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to managing clients with early knee OA and the contextual factors affecting implementation of care by physical therapists (PTs).

Design

Qualitative study using in-depth semistructured interviews with 33 PTs. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Setting

Canada.

Participants

A purposive sample of PTs who managed clients with knee symptoms and/or diagnosed knee OA in community/outpatient settings in three provinces in Canada (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia).

Results

Factors tha

SUBMITTER: MacKay C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6278797 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature