Patient experience of rehabilitation for shoulder pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring patient experience in rehabilitation for rotator cuff related shoulder pain at Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust.
IRAS ID
361625
Contact name
Joseph Northover
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This is a qualitative study looking at the experience of those who have engaged in shoulder rehabilitation for rotator cuff related shoulder pain, within Liverpool University Hospitals trust.
Shoulder pain is a common issue that places a significant burden on individuals, with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain being the most frequent cause.
A number of recent high quality randomised controlled trials have shown the comparable effect that a one off educational session has when compared with standard physiotherapy care. So with much rehabilitation now moving towards supported self-management. The question remains is if this can be effective in a diverse population? I want to explore the patient experience of the "work" that patients and their support networks do to implement and maintain treatments. Looking at how this work, or treatment burden, impacts patients' lives and their ability to self-manage their health. Other qualitative studies into shoulder rehabilitation have looked at experience of rehabilitation with regards to behaviour change. However, there is no known research that has investigated patient experience with regards to the burden of treatment.Improving understanding is particularly important in the context of Merseyside, a region marked by significant socioeconomic diversity and some of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK. It is important research looks at the experience of treatment across a diverse population, to inform the development of equitable rehabilitation pathways.
Participants of the study will be adults within the outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy service of Liverpool University Hospitals trust, who are able to engage in a single semi-structured interview about their experience. The interview will be guided by the Burden of Treatment theoretical framework. Insights will be used to guide development of a more equitable rehabilitation pathway and make recommendations for further research.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0146
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion