Psychological screening in MSK physiotherapy: the patient perspective
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological screening in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: the patient perspective.
IRAS ID
169834
Contact name
Matthew Hotopf
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Management, King's College, London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 14 days
Research summary
The King's College Hospital Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy department has recently started implementing IMPARTS screening, as a method of routinely identifying common psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy. These psychological constructs are key indicators of poor physiotherapy engagement and predictors of poorer outcomes. By measuring them as part of routine clinical practice, the physiotherapy team can provide more targeted, effective physiotherapy.
The newly developed screening system has been implemented alongside a care pathway which recommends onward referral options with identified psychological morbidity. These include referral to GP, referral to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, or provision of psychologically-informed exercise programmes. To date, two months after commencing screening, 24% of patients have been identified as having probable major depression according to the PHQ9, and 19% have probable anxiety disorder according to the GAD7.
An evaluation of this model of integrated care is currently underway, and patients' perspectives of this service development must be prioritized. The aim of this project is therefore to qualitatively evaluate patient perspectives of screening and an integrated system of care in the King's College Hospital MSK physiotherapy service. Telephone interviews will ascertain patient perspectives on: the ease-of-use of the iPad-based screening interface; the appropriateness and relevance of the questions; the use of this information as part of their physiotherapy appointment; and their suggestions for improvement and adaptation. Thematic analysis will identify patterns of responses and meaning, by identifying codes or concepts which are then developed into broader themes. The emerging themes will then be used for service improvement and development purposes.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0027
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion