A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physiotherapists' lived experiences of decision making in therapeutic encounters with persons suffering from whiplash-associated disorder : a hermeneutic phenomenological study (2020)


Hartholt, E., Vuoskoski, P., & Hebron, C. (2020). Physiotherapists' lived experiences of decision making in therapeutic encounters with persons suffering from whiplash-associated disorder : a hermeneutic phenomenological study. Musculoskeletal Care, 18(4), 519-526. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1496


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Hartholt, Elles; Vuoskoski, Pirjo; Hebron, Clair

Journal or series: Musculoskeletal Care

ISSN: 1478-2189

eISSN: 1557-0681

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 16/07/2020

Volume: 18

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 519-526

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1496

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71218

Publication is parallel published: https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/publications/physiotherapists-lived-experiences-of-decision-making-in-therapeu


Abstract

Conceptual discussions related to clinical reasoning and decision making have evolved over the years from biomedical to incorporating more holistic approach to reasoning. Empirical studies exploring clinical reasoning and decision making in physiotherapy practice have mostly focused on aspects of managing persons with low back pain, such as exercise prescription, education and communicating diagnosis. There is a paucity of studies exploring decision making in whiplash‐associated disorder (WAD); thus, the aim of this study was to explore the physiotherapists' lived experiences of decision making related to treating persons with WAD.

A qualitative research design based on hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used in this study. Five participants (physiotherapists) were purposefully recruited, and data are collected via semistructured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as a method for analysing the data. Emergent, superordinate and master themes emerged from the data to illuminate the lived experiences under exploration.

Three master themes were identified: (1) sense of collaboration; (2) sense of being out of control; and (3) sense of emotional engagement (subthemes: feeling of satisfaction and feelings of distress and uncertainty).

A sense of collaboration revealed varied meaning related to the role of persons receiving care, suggesting a lack of conceptual clarity related to shared‐decision making. A perceived loss of a sense of being in control was related to experienced emotions, such as feelings of distress and uncertainty. The findings of this study highlight the importance of providing space for reflection and mentoring in the workplace.


Keywords: physical therapists; patient care relationship; treatment decisions; decision making; experiences (knowledge); phenomenology

Free keywords: clinical reasoning; decision making; phenomenology; whiplash


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-12-10 at 08:00