Shared decision-making in back pain consultations: an illusion or reality?
L E Jones1, L C Roberts, P S Little
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1BJ, UK, lej1a12@soton.ac.uk.
Summary
Shared decision-making is rarely used in physiotherapy for back pain patients, with clinicians
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Health Services Research
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial for patient-centered healthcare, improving patient experience, treatment adherence, and health outcomes.
- Despite its benefits, observational studies indicate infrequent implementation of SDM in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the prevalence of shared decision-making (SDM) during clinical encounters between physiotherapists and patients experiencing back pain.
- To assess the level of SDM competency in physiotherapy consultations for back pain.
Main Methods:
- Eighty outpatient physiotherapy encounters were audio-recorded and transcribed.
- Data were analyzed using the 12-item OPTION scale to measure clinician SDM competency.
Main Results:
- The mean OPTION scale score was 24.0%, indicating low levels of shared decision-making.
- Scores ranged from 10.4% to 43.8%, highlighting variability in SDM implementation.
Conclusions:
- Shared decision-making is significantly under-developed in physiotherapy consultations for back pain.
- A strong clinician desire to treat may act as a barrier to SDM.
- Future research should explore effective strategies for implementing SDM in this context.
