Vieira A1, Debastiani de Jesus J1
1Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Background: Long-term musculoskeletal pain promotes frustration, suffering and progressive disability, impacting negatively in the quality of life of people. Therefore, interventions are needed to the demands of this population, mainly in primary care, which is both the first access to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and also responsible for prevalent health problems.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to understand what makes patients engage and participate in the weekly Postural Education Group of a southern Primary Care Unit in Brazil.
Methods: A phenomenological research approach was chosen to capture descriptions of meanings, motivations and lived experiences in the weekly Postural Education Group (PEG) of a southern Primary Care Unit in Brazil. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight subjects aged between 53 and 83, who have had long-term musculoskeletal pain for over five years and have been in the PEG for about one year. The interviews were recorded on a portable audio recorder and lasted approximately one hour. After transcription, the narratives were read several times, coded and analyzed according to the objectives of the present study.
Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed three significant themes so as to engage and participate in the PEG. The first one was the benefits of exercises, which respect individual limitations, relieve pain and stimulate changes in postural habits. The second significant theme was the space for listening to colleagues who have similar problems and the physiotherapist who promotes moments of relaxation, emotional well-being, self-acceptance and a better understanding of pain. The third was the perception of a different perspective of treatment, leading them to the development of coping strategies and the self-management of pain, instead of seeking assistance just with a view for pain medications in times of crisis.
Conclusion(s): Support and bonds made at the weekly meetings were the main elements to make patients engage and participate in the PEG. The activities developed were important to encourage the self-management of pain, the incorporation of new habits and the understanding of the problem. Thus, group work contributes to prevent recurrence, to get along better with the chronicity of symptoms and the development of coping strategies to face pain.
Implications: The proposition of the Postural Exercises Group in primary care services allows the physiotherapist to provide monitoring over time for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, creating a health production space and improving quality of life.
Keywords: Primary care, Lived body, Health education
Funding acknowledgements: The study received no specific grant from any funding agency.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to understand what makes patients engage and participate in the weekly Postural Education Group of a southern Primary Care Unit in Brazil.
Methods: A phenomenological research approach was chosen to capture descriptions of meanings, motivations and lived experiences in the weekly Postural Education Group (PEG) of a southern Primary Care Unit in Brazil. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight subjects aged between 53 and 83, who have had long-term musculoskeletal pain for over five years and have been in the PEG for about one year. The interviews were recorded on a portable audio recorder and lasted approximately one hour. After transcription, the narratives were read several times, coded and analyzed according to the objectives of the present study.
Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed three significant themes so as to engage and participate in the PEG. The first one was the benefits of exercises, which respect individual limitations, relieve pain and stimulate changes in postural habits. The second significant theme was the space for listening to colleagues who have similar problems and the physiotherapist who promotes moments of relaxation, emotional well-being, self-acceptance and a better understanding of pain. The third was the perception of a different perspective of treatment, leading them to the development of coping strategies and the self-management of pain, instead of seeking assistance just with a view for pain medications in times of crisis.
Conclusion(s): Support and bonds made at the weekly meetings were the main elements to make patients engage and participate in the PEG. The activities developed were important to encourage the self-management of pain, the incorporation of new habits and the understanding of the problem. Thus, group work contributes to prevent recurrence, to get along better with the chronicity of symptoms and the development of coping strategies to face pain.
Implications: The proposition of the Postural Exercises Group in primary care services allows the physiotherapist to provide monitoring over time for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, creating a health production space and improving quality of life.
Keywords: Primary care, Lived body, Health education
Funding acknowledgements: The study received no specific grant from any funding agency.
Topic: Primary health care; Pain & pain management; Musculoskeletal
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA)
Ethics committee: Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do HCPA
Ethics number: CAAE 63969817.3.0000.5327
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
