Psychological Interventions within Physiotherapy: A Qualitative Exploration of the Perspectives of Paediatric Physiotherapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Paediatric physiotherapists treat children with disabilities to improve their quality of life. According to GASTAT (2017) disability survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 11.16% of Saudi children aged 5-19 years old have disabilities. Children with physical disabilities may struggle psychologically and socially, so the biopsychosocial model can be implemented in physiotherapy as a holistic approach. Physiotherapists implement Psychologically Informed Physiotherapy (PIP) to integrate the biopsychosocial model into physiotherapy practice (Porter, 2016; Smart, 2023; Gervais-Hupe et al., 2022). Gray et al. (2021) found that many physiotherapists had positive attitudes and beliefs about PIP, but there is a need for further development. Methods: A qualitative study using epistemological philosophies was conducted to explore the research aims and objectives. Paediatric physiotherapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were invited to focus groups. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using hybrid thematic analysis. Data collection took place between June and July 2023. Findings: Ten participants in four focus groups, with three to two participants in each group. Thematic analysis identified three themes: knowledge, implementation, and future needs. The knowledge included exploring the history of academic education, post-professional education, and the basis of knowledge. Implementation briefly mentioned conditions and then explored interventions, strategies, and techniques. Purposes were also included in the implementation theme. The third theme was future learning and training needs recommendations and suggestions. Conclusion: This study was the first to explore and provide valuable insights into paediatric physiotherapists’ perspectives of knowledge of psychology, psychological interventions and PIP in KSA.