The purpose of this study was to develop new knowledge about how long-term health disorders in young people are understood and acted upon in physiotherapy practice, with a particular focus on the young patient’s needs and how they are addressed. The overarching objective was to contribute insights to improve the treatment offered to this patient group, by exploring the perspectives of both patients and physiotherapists, as well as clinical interactions between them.
This qualitative project was inspired by narrative theory and methods. We conducted observations of clinical encounters (n=10) between young patients aged 16-24 with long-term health disorders and Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapists in primary health care in Norway. We also conducted individual interviews with young patients (n=10) and physiotherapists (n=10). The data material, which consisted of field notes and interview transcriptions, was analyzed using thematic narrative analysis.
The patients’ stories highlighted difficult experiences in their personal lives and former healthcare interactions, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and a trustful therapeutic relationship. The physiotherapists’ stories also emphasized the importance of such relational aspects of treatment for young patients suffering from long-term health disorders. However, the physiotherapists’ stories highlighted how prioritizing relational aspects of treatment could conflict with their professional norms and the institutional frameworks within which they practice. Our observations shed light on how the physiotherapists addressed the young patients' relational needs in clinical interactions, by providing subtle acts of care and comfort that were attuned to their bodily reactions and spoken expressions.
Our study highlights the potential of relational aspects of physiotherapy for young patients with long-term health disorders. In clinical practice, physiotherapists can attend to the diverse needs of these patients by being attentive to their bodily and spoken expressions and providing them with care and ongoing support. Subtle acts of care, which might not be recognized as traditional physiotherapy, can play a crucial role in their treatment process.
To best meet the needs of this patient group, physiotherapists may benefit from thinking otherwise about their professional role and practice. Our study suggests that a broader understanding of physiotherapy for young people with long-term health disorders may be warranted, where relational aspects of their care are recognized and valued as key components of their treatment.
Clinical meaning-making
Qualitative research
