A survey of patient education practices and perceptions of physiotherapists: a mixed methods study

Patient education is an integral part of physiotherapy practice. The use of patient education and the adoption of a patient-centered approach to education has not been examined in a European setting.

To explore the frequency and perceived importance of patient education practices of physiotherapists in Iceland.

A convergent mixed methods study design was utilized. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was completed by 216 physiotherapists (35.1% response rate). Transformed qualitative data played a secondary role to quantitative results measuring frequencies of use and perceived importance of a spectrum of patient education practices.

Providing exercise and diagnostic information had the highest rated frequency and importance. Advising on social support and having the patient explain why their home exercises were important were rated lowest. A large difference was reported between frequency and importance when collaborating with patients on goal-setting. Therapists reported delivering education through discussions and physical demonstrations, while relying on visual cues and return demonstrations to evaluate education effectiveness. Patient-specific education, including preferred learning style, was not always considered. The highest-rated barriers to patient education were patient characteristics that were psychosocial in nature. Results regarding readiness for education indicated needs to assess patient motivation while managing external barriers.

The results indicate that physiotherapists engage in a wide variety of patient education activities that they consider important. Barriers to patient education identified by therapists may be managed by further skill development in a collaborative patient-centered approach to patient education.