A1 Journal article (refereed)
An adventurous learning journey : Physiotherapists’ conceptions of learning and integrating cognitive functional therapy into clinical practice (2022)


Holopainen, R., Piirainen, A., Karppinen, J., Linton, S. J., & O’Sullivan, P. (2022). An adventurous learning journey : Physiotherapists’ conceptions of learning and integrating cognitive functional therapy into clinical practice. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(2), 309-326. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2020.1753271


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsHolopainen, Riikka; Piirainen, Arja; Karppinen, Jaro; Linton, Steven James; O’Sullivan, Peter

Journal or seriesPhysiotherapy Theory and Practice

ISSN0959-3985

eISSN1532-5040

Publication year2022

Volume38

Issue number2

Pages range309-326

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2020.1753271

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/70960


Abstract

Background: Recent low back pain guidelines recommend a BPS approach to the management of disabling low back pain. However, the most effective way of teaching physiotherapists to implement these approaches remains unknown. The present qualitative study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ conceptions of learning and integrating Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) into clinical practice in Finnish primary health care.

Methods: We interviewed 22 physiotherapists, who participated in four to six days of CFT workshops. A phenomenographic approach was used to explore the variation in the physiotherapists’ conceptions of this process.

Results: Four themes emerged from the data: 1) membership of work community; 2) learning journey; 3) transition to new working methods; and 4) professional role as a physiotherapist. These themes varied in four categories of description: recognizing difference of the new approach, toward integrating the new approach, waking up to explore, commitment to new approach and expanding application of new approach. The critical aspects between the categories that enabled the integration of CFT into clinical practice were ability to overcome resistance and to change views, being shaken and ability to critically reflect on one’s work, support from the work community and becoming convinced, creativity, multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning.

Conclusion: The participants’ responses to the training varied greatly, suggesting that for some, the training was insufficient to support adequate changes in their practice behavior; whereas for others, the training was a life changing experience.


Keywordsphysiotherapyanalgesiatreatment methodsphysical therapistscontinuing professional educationconceptions of learningphenomenography

Free keywordsqualitative; physiotherapist; phenomenography; cognitive functional therapy; biopsychosocial; implementation


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2022

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 22:50