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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Exploring the experiences and perceptions of patients awaiting rotator cuff repair surgery: An integrated qualitative
Maria Moffatt1, Julia Wade2, Nadine E Foster3
1Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England, UK.
Background:
As waiting times for orthopaedic surgery increase, there have been calls to move from 'waiting lists' to 'preparation lists', to better prepare patients for surgery. In this context, a pilot randomised controlled trial (POWER) was conducted, comparing physiotherapist-led exercise to waiting-list control (usual care), for patients awaiting rotator cuff repair surgery. This qualitative study was integrated within the pilot trial.
Objectives:
Explore the experiences of adults awaiting rotator cuff repair surgery in the NHS. Explore the acceptability of the physiotherapist-led exercise intervention. Explore the barriers and enablers to recruitment, retention, and adherence.
Design:
Integrated qualitative study with semi-structured telephone interviews.
Methods:
Adults awaiting rotator cuff repair, consenting to participate in the trial were eligible. Sampling was purposive regarding age, gender, randomised allocation, and hospital site. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results:
20 participants were recruited (age range 49-81 years; 12 male, 10 randomised to physiotherapist-led exercise). Many participants were unable to recall their experiences of trial processes; nonetheless, three themes were identified from the data: experience of shoulder pain and pathway to treatment; communication and decision-making in the context of rotator cuff repair surgery; and experiences of the POWER physiotherapist-led exercise intervention and processes.
Conclusions:
Patients experience significant burden due to shoulder pain. Their journey to surgery can be long, confusing, and associated with perceived abandonment. In a future trial, the intervention should offer opportunity for shared decision-making, optional exit from the surgical pathway, and an individualised exercise programme.
