Team-based rehabilitation in primary care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders: Experiences, effect, and...

With the aim of improving care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders of different durations, this thesis, defended in December 2024, evaluates team-based rehabilitation in primary care. The objectives of the interventions were to improve physical function and mental well-being, promote health, and prevent ill health. The theoretical underpinnings are anchored in a biopsychosocial understanding of pain, person-centredness, and salutogenesis, i.e. a holistic approach. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this thesis, comprising four studies: an interview study exploring patients' experiences, a randomised controlled study evaluating effects on sickness absence and health-reported outcomes, a focus group study exploring the healthcare professionals' experiences, and a process evaluation of the implementation of a team-based rehabilitation model. The results support a person-centred approach, identifying and addressing biopsychosocial factors in musculoskeletal care, being beneficial both for patients' rehabilitation and the healthcare professionals' work satisfaction. A person-centred approach with a biopsychosocial understanding of pain is a desired way of working in primary care; however, contextual challenges were identified in the studies, as the organisation also expects high availability and has a volume-based reimbursement system. These factors were perceived as conflicting and stressful by the healthcare professionals.