Patient-centredness in physiotherapy from the perspective of the chronic low back pain patient

ObjectiveTo define patient-centredness from the patient's perspective in the context of physiotherapy for chronic low back pain (CLBP).DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of various aspects of physiotherapy management of CLBP.SettingPhysiotherapy departments in one geographical area of the UK National Health Service.ParticipantsTwenty-five individuals who had received physiotherapy for CLBP within the previous 6 months.ResultsSix key themes emerged as the dimensions that the participants perceived to be important for patient-centred physiotherapy: communication; individual care; decision-making; information; the physiotherapist; and organisation of care. Communication was the most important dimension, underpinning the five other dimensions as well as being a distinct dimension of patient-centred physiotherapy.ConclusionsPhysiotherapists should have an understanding of the six dimensions of patient-centred physiotherapy for CLBP. Improving physiotherapists’ communication skills may better facilitate patient-centred physiotherapy, and therefore enhance the experience of physiotherapy for this client group.