It might take a village: developing a rehabilitation program of care for degenerative cervical radiculopathy from the patient perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of our study is to inform the development of a rehabilitation program of care from the perspectives of those suffering from degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR).

Material and methods

We conducted a qualitative study, purposefully recruiting individuals with DCR. Transcripts from virtual semi-structured interviews were iteratively analyzed using interpretative phenomenological methods.

Results

Eleven participants were recruited and depicted their ideal rehabilitation program of care. Participants described the importance of a patient centered-approach, health care providers who were validating, reassuring and attentive, easier access to health services, a supportive and collaborative team environment, and receiving peer support. Furthermore, participants expressed that they would expect the program of care to result in their symptoms being less intense and intermittent. In consideration of the participant perspectives, the ideal rehabilitation program of care can be conceptualized by the enactive-biopsychosocial model, which provides a theoretical framework for developing and implementing the program of care.

Conclusion

We obtained valuable information from individuals living with DCR regarding their preferences and expectations of a rehabilitation program of care. The participant descriptions will provide the groundwork for its development to meet patient needs and expectations. Future research to guide implementation will also be explored.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The lives of those suffering from cervical radiculopathy are significantly impacted.

• Incorporating patient perspectives in the development of care plans can lead to the inclusion of interventions considered patient-centered and may improve implementation, adherence, and outcomes.

• Participants described their preferences and expectations of a rehabilitation program of care that may assist in its future development to meet patient needs and expectations.

• From participants’ perspectives, the ideal rehabilitation program of care would be framed by the enactive-biopsychosocial model, thus providing a theoretical context for its development and implementation.

Keywords:

• Cervical spine
• radiculopathy
• degenerative neurologic disorders
• qualitative research
• interview
• biopsychosocial
• conservative treatment
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgments

We are extremely grateful to the clinicians and their staff for their assistance in recruiting our participants and the participants of this study for taking the time to be interviewed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Professor P. Côté is funded by a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to acknowledge the financial support from the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College for funding our work. Pierre Côté was supported by the Canadian Research Chair Program – Canadian Institutes of Health Research.