Training physiotherapists to be responsive to their clients’ health literacy needs

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate health literacy learning modules designed specifically for physiotherapists in private practice.

Methods

Mixed-method design was used, evaluating pre-post physiotherapist health literacy knowledge and competencies using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. One rural and one metropolitan private physiotherapy practice were recruited.

Participants

Clients, physiotherapists, and other clinic staff. The OPHELIA (Optimizing Health Literacy and Access) process was applied to identify the health literacy needs of clients; co-design interventions; and implement and evaluate the interventions. The health literacy learning modules were co-designed with the physiotherapists and included one 3-h face-to-face workshop, followed by two 1-h videoconference workshops. Health literacy knowledge (rated 1–5 for 10 items, max score 50) and skills (rated 1–5 for 5 items, max score 25) were assessed before and after the workshops. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.

Results

Health literacy knowledge of 19 health professionals improved after the workshop by 63% (pre 26.0 (7.5), post 41.0 (2.7), p < .001). Health literacy skills improved by 65% (pre 4.2 (3.3), post 21.8 (2.3), p < .001). We identified three themes from interview data: 1) ‘the multi-faceted nature of health literacy requires multiple strategies’; 2) ‘changing practice to promote understanding’; and 3) ‘reflection on roles of multidisciplinary private practice.’

Practice Implications

Improvements in health literacy knowledge and skills are possible through post-graduate professional development.

Conclusion

Workshops changed physiotherapists’ understanding of their role in promoting health literacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Physiotherapist
• health education
• client-centered
• mixed methods
• health literacy
• evaluation
• workshops
• professional development

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all collaborative staff, clients, and managers of the allied health practices involved in this study. We acknowledge the contribution of Michelle Davies who recruited all clients and staff. Richard Osborne was funded in part through a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia Senior Research Fellowship #APP1059122. This project was supported by the Motor Accident Board of Tasmania.

Declaration of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Motor Accident Insurance Board, Tasmania.