Exploring physiotherapist experiences and beliefs about psychologically informed practice to inform development of a training programme

Denney, Diarmuid, McLoughlin, Rebecca, Keefe, Francis, Price, Christine, Walumbe, Jackie, Copland, Claire, Mathieson, Anna and Noblet, Tim (2025) Exploring physiotherapist experiences and beliefs about psychologically informed practice to inform development of a training programme. Physiotherapy, 129. ISSN 2589-5583

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Abstract

Aim To explore physiotherapists’ experiences, beliefs, and opinions about psychologically informed practice (PIP) in order to design a training programme for non-psychologist clinicians to enhance their PIP skills. Design This study adopted an interpretive description qualitative methodology using focus groups and consistent with the aim of generating knowledge relevant to applied health and to inform the design of a training programme. Participants Phase one included musculoskeletal physiotherapists (n=18) who were purposively sampled to take part in two focus groups. A third focus group consisted of pain specialist physiotherapists (n=6) recruited from a specialist network in the UK called the Physiotherapy Pain Association (PPA) to explore further topics identified in phase one and to inform training development. Data analysis and synthesis Qualitative content analysis was used as a framework for data analysis and consisted of subjective interpretation of textual data through a systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes or patterns. Results Three interconnected themes that provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of physiotherapists concerning PIP were constructed: 1) Professional Roles and External Influences on PIP, 2) Interpersonal Aspects of PIP, and 3) Support Needs to Enhance PIP Application. Conclusion The findings provide an understanding of the multifaceted nature of PIP and its impact within healthcare settings. They will inform development of training to address gaps and provide practical strategies for enhancing PIP for non-psychologists.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Other
Depositing User:	Bridget Roberts
Date Deposited:	15 May 2026 12:33
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 14:23
URI:	https://hsu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/634

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