Physiotherapists’ attitudes toward circuit class therapy and 7 day per week therapy is influenced by normative beliefs, past experience, and perceived control: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Attitudes are recognized as influencing research implementation. However, little is known about the process by which physiotherapists’ attitudes and beliefs shape their use of 7-day per week therapy and circuit class therapy research findings. Understanding beliefs may assist in addressing barriers to research uptake. Methods: Fifteen physiotherapists from six rehabilitation centers who ranged in seniority, experience, and education levels consented to be interviewed. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Findings: Participants felt that they had autonomy in adopting new approaches when the evidence was supported by social norms. Participants believed that 7-day per week therapy delivers a seamless service that increases physiotherapy time, which helps maintain patient improvement, but needs to accommodate patient choice and expectations. Circuit class therapy was viewed positively as it provides more physiotherapy time, increases patient social interaction, and motivation. However, this was qualified by a belief that patients would not receive individualized, quality of movement focused therapy, particularly for patients with limited capacities. Conclusion: Implementation of a new approach depends on the past experience, coherence with individual beliefs regarding important elements of therapy content, and opportunities to control barriers to implementation.

KEYWORDS:

• Implementation
• rehabilitation
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The time and thought provided by the participants of the study are gratefully acknowledged. This work was part of a trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, grant number 631904 and registered with the Australian and New Zealand Trial Registry (ACTRN12610000096055).

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.