Acceptability and barriers of a GP–physiotherapist partnership in the diagnosis and management of COPD in primary care: A qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1111/hex.13935
• Publication Date: 2023-12-08T16:56:56Z
• Authors: Lisa Pagano; Zoe McKeough; Sally L. Wootton; Andrew S. L. Chan; Sriram Mahadev; Nicholas Zwar; Deborah Pallavicini; Sarah Dennis
• Keywords: primary care; Medicine (General); R5-920; COPD; Original Articles; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; allied health; physiotherapy; qualitative research

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly diagnosed and managed in primary care but there evidence that this has been suboptimal, with low confidence expressed providing interventions requiring behaviour change. The aim of study was to determine the acceptability a general practitioner (GP)–physiotherapist partnership diagnosis management COPD explore experiences participants during implementation model. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted physiotherapists ( n = 3), GPs 2), practice nurses (PNs) 2) patients 12) who had participated InNovaTivE Gp‐physiotheRapist pArTnErship for copD (INTEGRATED) trial. We sought participants' views about their perceived benefits, barriers facilitators model care. Interviews transcribed, coded thematically analysed. Synthesis data guided by Theoretical Domains Framework clinician health belief patient interviews. Results All clinicians felt integrated helped optimise facilitating evidence‐based practice. PNs valued physiotherapist's knowledge skills relating management, which reported complement own improve outcomes. Patients sense empowerment following appointments acknowledged improved self‐management skills. However, many already engaging positive behaviours. Responses mixed on effectiveness teamwork between different perspectives concerning communication pathways logistical issues, such as time room availability, being cited barriers. Conclusions An experienced cardiorespiratory physiotherapist embedded into small number practices work acceptable viewed beneficial patients. Barriers logistics resources remain, must be addressed implementation. Patient or Public Contribution input obtained from qualitative feedback prior two authors used refine added value team. This also interview guides utilised service involvement rehabilitation local district directly involved determining aims establishing project around priorities chronic integration service. For example, aimed engage less severe population would benefit rehabilitation. findings will further tailor needs public Trial Registration: ACTRN12619001127190