Understanding Contextual Factors Effects and Their Implications for Italian Physiotherapists: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google Docs software. The aim was to understand the management of contextual factors and to identify which are most relevant and which clinicians underestimate. A total of 1250 physiotherapists were chosen from the database of the Manual Therapists group mailing list (GTM-IFOMPT MO) from July to August 2020. A total of 699 responses were received that were considered valid (56%). Participants (40.83%) identified contextual factors (CFs) as any element, even involuntary, with which the patient interacts during treatment. Physiotherapists individually chose the representation of CF with the therapeutic relationship (82.9%), followed by therapeutic setting (75.8%). This choice differed between participants belonging to different age groups. Participants favor communication strategies (76.93%). More than half (57.88%) pay attention to patient involvement during the course of care; and in response to the patients' doubts about the use of treatments with limited scientific efficacy, they suggest different medical treatments. The patient's previous clinical experience is not considered significant and does not influence the choice of treatment. Subsequently, however, the participants reported that they stimulate the patients' positive expectations of the success of the clinical outcome (45.27%). Knowledge of contextual factors in physiotherapy appears limited and very heterogeneous. Future research could increase the focus on professional development.

Automated summary

The study found that most physiotherapists define contextual factors as any element with which the patient interacts during treatment, with a focus on the therapeutic relationship and setting. They prefer communication strategies, value patient involvement, suggest alternative medical treatments, and aim to stimulate positive expectations of treatment success, regardless of patients' previous clinical experiences. There is limited and heterogeneous understanding of contextual factors in physiotherapy among practitioners, highlighting the need for future research and professional development.