Patients’ conceptions of undergoing physiotherapy for persistent low back pain delivered in Finnish primary healthcare by physiotherapists who had participated in brief training in cognitive functional therapy

Purpose: To explore the conceptions of patients with persistent low back pain (LBP) of undergoing physiotherapy delivered in Finnish primary healthcare by physiotherapists who had participated in brief training in Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT). Methods: As part of a feasibility implementation study exploring CFT in management of LBP in the Finnish primary healthcare system, we interviewed nine patients from four geographical areas in Finland after receiving care. We used a phenomenographic approach to explore the variation in their conceptions. Results: The analysis revealed four descriptive categories: “hung out to dry,” “stuck,” “making sense and taking control,” and “holistic approach to care and living,” that varied based on six themes. Conclusions: Although the participants accepted this approach to care well, there was significant variation in patients’ conceptions. Restricted access to care within the healthcare system and a lack of social support led some of them to feel they had been left alone to suffer with their pain. On the other hand, based on the results of this study, positive experiences of physiotherapy and good collaboration with the physiotherapist, wider social support outside of physiotherapy, a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of pain and the acquisition of self-management skills were reported as positive aspects of undergoing physiotherapy that may be related to positive treatment outcomes.