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Profile of Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Waiting for Physiotherapy in Secondary Health Care: A
Bruno André Ney Schubert1, Bruna Pereira Siqueira1, Ana Alice Cardoso Faria1
1Higher School of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Background:
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a major cause of disability, with biopsychosocial effects that may be worsened by long waiting times for care.
Objective:
This study aimed to describe the profile of patients with CMP on the waiting list for physiotherapy.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed via telephone. Participants' information was obtained from the Municipal Health Department. The survey assessed data on clinical, physical and psychosocial characteristics.
Results:
Overall, we contacted 1208 individuals, and 134 completed the survey. The most common pain sites were the right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (42.5%), right hand (38.8) and right knee (38.8). Nearly half of the participants reported pain in 4 or more pain sites in the last seven days (49.3%) and use of antidepressants (48.5%) or analgesics (45.5%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were present in 45.5% and 35.8% of participants, respectively. One out of five participants reported being unable to work in the last 30 days due to their health conditions. Only 23.9% had previously received physiotherapy care, and among these, 68.7% waited one year or longer for treatment.
Conclusions:
Patients on the waiting list for physiotherapy commonly report pain, psychosocial symptoms and functional disability. Strategies to improve timely access for physiotherapy are needed to reduce the burden of CMP.
