REFLECTIONS OF PATIENTS AND THERAPISTS ON THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES

Background: Many patients with brachial plexus injuries have residual complaints due to scapular dyskinesia and overuse. An integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was developed to address these complaints. In this... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Many patients with brachial plexus injuries have residual complaints due to scapular dyskinesia and overuse. An integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was developed to address these complaints. In this program physical therapy (PT) focuses on regaining scapular coordination and occupational therapy (OT) addresses planning and pacing of daily activities. There are indications for the effectiveness of this program (IJspeert, J. et al. 2013), which was developed by professionals. In current study we aim to understand from the patient and the professional perspective which components are valued critical ingredients of the program.
Method:
A qualitative study was conducted using semi- structured interviews with 8 patients and 5 therapists. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to the principles of the constant comparative method, using the steps of coding, categorizing and super categorizing. The last step involved comparison of both perspectives resulting in overall themes.
Results:
Overall themes included: 1) Knowledge and understanding are critical; 2) provision of a mirror to change the mindset; 3) personalize exercises, skills and advices to the own situation; 4) constant consultation within the team; 5) ultimately the patient becomes in charge.
Conclusion:
The critical ingredients from the perspective of the patients and the professionals corresponded well with each other and suggest to continue to combine a patient-centered approach with the components of education, learning skills and gaining confidence through experiences and reinforcement.
Application to Practice:
Current study showed that the patients and the professionals valued similar components of the program which will remain important ingredients.