MATCH: Making Adapted Therapeutic Communication Happen

Read more

• Scientific summary

  Background and relevance

  Exercise therapists guide patients in behavior change (more, less, or different movement) to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life and functioning. An important target group is patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). The InContext study (2021–present) offers starting points for improving guidance through three strategies: motor learning (ML), behavior change techniques (BCT), and self-management support (SMS). This involves a personalized approach based on a biopsychosocial perspective and tailored communication. This is especially relevant for patients with CMP and limited health literacy (LHL). These patients often lack understanding of their condition, struggle to apply information, experience more worries, and find self-management more difficult.

  Mission statement and objective

  Exercise therapists experience uncertainty in applying exercise therapy strategies for (movement) behavior change and in achieving shared decision-making. Patients with LHL are often not recognized, and therapists and patients do not always share the same vision of behavioral change, which is often not determined in joint decision-making process. Communication between the exercise therapist and the patient is central to this process. 

  The aim of MATCH is to investigate how exercise therapists can be supported in person-centered communication, including shared decision-making, when applying strategies to foster behavior change in patients with CMP and LHL. Support through knowledge, training, and practical tools will be integrated into the Toolbox developed within InContext.

  Methodological approach

  MATCH uses a predominantly qualitative approach. Video observations and reflections by therapists and patients provide insight into how communication and shared decision-making about behavior change are currently takes place (WP1-2). Based on these insights, we inventory and (further) develop support materials in co-creation with therapists and patients. This results in training and practical tools and added to the existing InContext Toolbox (WP3). A pilot study assesses feasibility and usability of the identified and (further) developed support material (WP4). Dissemination and follow-up activities increase the impact on the treatment of exercise therapists with CMP patients, with and without LHL (WP5).

  Participants

  The target group consists of exercise therapists treating patients with CMP. Patients with CMP, both with and without LHL, are also involved.

  Intervention

  Exercise therapists guide patients with CMP in changing their (movement) behavior using exercise therapy strategies: ML, BCT, and SMS. Based on a personalized biopsychosocial approach, person-centered communication, including shared decision-making, is essential.

  Expected results

  MATCH develops and refines materials that support exercise therapists in person-centered communication, including shared decision-making in using therapeutic strategies for behavioral change in patients with CMP and LHL. The materials will be integrated into the existing Toolbox, available through the professional association’s website, enhancing the therapist–patient communication process.

  Impact

  Improved person-centered communication optimizes the use of exercise therapeutic strategies and facilitates shared decision-making. This increases self-management, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment. MATCH is relevant to various aspects of diversity, such as age, gender and socio-economic background, and contributes to inclusive care and better alignment with the needs of diverse patient populations.