Effect of a Self-Determination Theory–Based Communication Skills Training Program on Physiotherapists' Psychological Support for Their Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of communication skills training on physiotherapists' supportive behavior during clinical practice.DesignRandomized trial.SettingHospital outpatient physiotherapy clinics.ParticipantsPhysiotherapists (N=24) and patients (N=24) with chronic low back pain.InterventionsTwo hospital clinics were randomly assigned to the intervention arm. Physiotherapists (n=12) received 8 hours of communication skills training focused on supporting patients' psychological needs. Physiotherapists (n=12) from 2 other hospital clinics formed a waitlist control arm.Main Outcome MeasuresVerbal communication between each physiotherapist and a patient was recorded on an audiotape, and independent, blinded raters used the Health Care Climate Questionnaire to assess physiotherapists' needs-supportive behavior (primary outcome).ResultsIndependent raters' Health Care Climate Questionnaire scores favored the intervention arm (Cohen's d=2.27; P<.01).ConclusionsCompared with controls, independent ratings demonstrated that physiotherapists who completed the Communication style and exercise compliance in physiotherapy training were found to provide greater support for patients' needs in a single assessed session. Long-term maintenance of this needs-supportive behavior should be examined.