Reflections of patients and therapists on a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme for persons with brachial plexus injuries

Purpose: There is lack of knowledge, evidence, and guidelines for rehabilitation interventions for persons with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) or brachial plexus pathology. A first pilot study, evaluating the effect of an integrated rehabilitation programme, showed improvements in activity and participation levels.

Aim: To gain insight, from the perspective of patients and therapists, into the critical ingredients of the programme, that contributed to improvements in activity and participation.

Materials and methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with eight patients and five therapists (three occupational therapists and two physical therapists). Participants were asked to identify and describe factors regarding the rehabilitation that they perceived as positive and aspects of the programme that could be improved. Data were analysed using a constant comparative approach.

Results: Patients reported (1) Time to diagnose: “Finally I’m in the right place;” (2) Awareness: “They gave me a mirror;” (3) Partnership: “There was real contact with the therapists; we made decisions together;” (4) Close collaboration: “Overlapping scopes of practice; doing the same from a different perspective;” and finally (5) Self-management: “Now I can do it myself.” Therapists reported (1) “Patients knowledge and understanding is critical to success;” (2) “Activate problem solving and decision making;” (3) “Personalize your therapy; it’s more than just giving exercises and information;” (4) “Constant consultation within the team; consistency in messages and approach;” and (5)” Ultimately the patient is in charge.”

Conclusions: The critical ingredients, correspond well with each other and include a person-centred approach, education, support in problem solving and decision making and an integrated team approach. These ingredients provided the patients with confidence to take responsibility to manage their everyday lives, the ultimate goal of the programme.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Both patients and therapists believe that the ability to self-manage and take control should be the outcome of high quality integrated rehabilitation programmes for patients with neuralgic amyotrophy and/or other brachial plexus injuries.

• A person-centred, collaborative, and integrated team approach, among all members of the team, are critical components of care delivery in personalised interventions.

• Critical programme ingredients are knowledge and education of both the patient and therapists; partnership between patient–therapist and within the team; patient activation and self-reflection; and personalised care.

• Patients recommend more options for personalisation of the intensity and duration of rehabilitation, the possibility to consult a psychologist and peer support within a group setting.