Experiences of physiotherapists learning to adopt a biopsychosocial model by following the ‘pain in private practice’ professionalization course: a qualitative study

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is best addressed from a biopsychosocial perspective. Despite physiotherapists’ awareness of this approach, translating it into practice remains a challenge. A three-month post-graduate course was designed to facilitate Dutch physiotherapists in private practice to implement the biopsychosocial approach through experiential learning, workplace facilitation, and home assignments. This study evaluates the perceived feasibility of the course regarding its contextual alignment with, and practical applicability in, clinical settings. We conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with all thirteen participants who completed the course, and applied a qualitative analysis to investigate perceived feasibility. Three interrelated concepts emerged: 1) the individual process; 2) the course as an intervention; 3) social and professional context. Although each participant had their own journey, they all experienced a change in attitude and confidence, as well as feeling more comfortable in using communication strategies and psychology informed movement interventions focusing on valued daily activities and social participation. Learning with and from peers and experiential learning were seen as important facilitators. Social and material factors were mentioned as influencing the implementation of learned knowledge and skills. Findings from this study show promise in using a course that contains experiential learning, workplace facilitation, and home assignments, to train physiotherapists working in private practice to implement a biopsychosocial approach. Valuable insights into key barriers and facilitators show potential in informing the refinement of course design, and support understanding of the use of educational strategies for promoting new practice behaviors.