Exploring Physiotherapist's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Clinical Decision-making Regarding Physical Activity in Chronic Pain Management.

Chronic pain is a globally increasing problem, with enormous impact on the individual and society. Within the treatment of chronic pain, physical activity is a key strategy to improve pain-related complaints. There is ample evidence that physical activity has numerous benefits and few drawbacks. However, the literature shows that those who experience chronic pain experience difficulty performing and sustaining physical activity, and several barriers emerge that hinder physical activity. Patients indicate a need for the supportive role of the health care provider when it comes to guidance toward physically active lifestyle. On the other hand, caregivers find it difficult to fill this role. This can cause frustration for both parties, with a negative impact on the delivery of care. Within the treatment of chronic pain, the physiotherapist is an important healthcare provider. However, it is currently not clear how physiotherapists fulfill their role in the treatment of a patient with chronic pain. It is also not known what the current knowledge is among physiotherapists on chronic pain management, what the perceptions and beliefs around physical activity in the treatment of chronic pain are, and what the clinical decisions are that they make in the treatment of chronic pain in terms of physical activity. To obtain the best and broadest possible answers to these research questions, this study will examine these themes among physiotherapists with respect to two patient groups; namely, patients who experience persistent pain after completing their cancer treatment and individuals with chronic low back pain. Demographic data such as age, employment, occupational specializations, etc. is gathered. Furthermore, knowledge of chronic pain, underlying thoughts and perceptions around chronic pain and physical activity, and clinical decisions of a physiotherapist in treating a patient with chronic pain, including decisions about physical activity will be examined. In addition