Adherence of geriatric physiotherapists to the Coach2Move protocol and their opinion on this strategy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim Stimulating elderly in having an active lifestyle is often an important part of the physiotherapeutic intervention. The Coach2Move strategy is a new strategy for the physiotherapy treatment of elderly with or at risk of mobility problems focusing on increasing physical activity. In implementation of a new intervention adherence is often one of the problems. This study assesses the therapeutic adherence to the Coach2Move strategy and the relation with the patient outcome. It also explains the adherence influencing factors and explores the experience of the therapist with the Coach2move strategy. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used, where quantitative results were further explained by qualitative data. The quantitative phase consisted of determining adherence of geriatric physiotherapist by assessment of the electronic patient files with performance indicators and correlation with patient outcome on physical activity. The qualitative phase, consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews using a grounded theory approach to explain the difference in adherence and exploring the therapeutic experience with the coach2Move strategy. Results Adherence to the Coach2Move strategy was 77 percent(±11 SD). No correlation was found between physiotherapist adherence and patient outcome on physical activity. The overall experience with the Coach2Move strategy was good. The therapeutic experience with the Coach2Move strategy and their vision on physiotherapy seems to influence the adherence. Conclusion The geriatric physiotherapists in the Coach2Move study are high adherent to the strategy. There is no correlation found between therapeutic adherence and patient outcome. The therapists value the Coach2Move strategy in the treatment of elderly, it helps them to motivate and activate elderly. Adherence is influenced by organizational, patient and therapeutic factors. Clinical Relevance The therapists in the Coach2move trial find the strategy very useful to motivate and activate elderly.