A clinical reasoning model focused on clients’ behaviour change with reference to physiotherapists: its multiphase development and validation

Abstract

Background and purpose: A biopsychosocial approach and behaviour change strategies have long been proposed to serve as a basis for addressing current multifaceted health problems. This emphasis has implications for clinical reasoning of health professionals. This study’s aim was to develop and validate a conceptual model to guide physiotherapists’ clinical reasoning focused on clients’ behaviour change. Methods: Phase 1 consisted of the exploration of existing research and the research team’s experiences and knowledge. Phases 2a and 2b consisted of validation and refinement of the model based on input from physiotherapy students in two focus groups (n = 5 per group) and from experts in behavioural medicine (n = 9). Results: Phase 1 generated theoretical and evidence bases for the first version of a model. Phases 2a and 2b established the validity and value of the model. The final model described clinical reasoning focused on clients’ behaviour change as a cognitive, reflective, collaborative and iterative process with multiple interrelated levels that included input from the client and physiotherapist, a functional behavioural analysis of the activity-related target behaviour and the selection of strategies for behaviour change. Conclusions: This unique model, theory- and evidence-informed, has been developed to help physiotherapists to apply clinical reasoning systematically in the process of behaviour change with their clients.

• Behaviour change
• biopsychosocial
• clinical reasoning
• physiotherapy

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.