AUT Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre

Permanent link for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/10292/19256

The Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre is a transdisciplinary research centre based in the School of Allied Health at AUT. [This collection is currently in the process of being developed].

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Supporting Well-being After Stroke: A Framework for Care That Supports Well-being
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2024) Bright, Felicity; Wilson, Bobbie-Jo; Ibell-Roberts, Claire; Signal, Nada; Featherstone, Katie; Collier, Aileen; Fu, Vivian
[Background to the Framework] Well-being is important for living well and flourishing after stroke. However, a focus on well-being is not routinely integrated into stroke care, resulting in it being a leading area of unmet need following stroke (Stroke Association, 2015). This framework was developed as part of the study “Psychosocial well-being after stroke: A study of care practices and processes in Aotearoa New Zealand”. This study explored: -How people experience well-being after stroke in Aotearoa New Zealand. -How stroke care practices can influence well-being. -How services and care might change to more consistently support well-being. While stroke survivors and whānau in this research described some pivotal events in care that influenced their well-being, it became clear that well-being was influenced by a myriad of ‘small moments and small actions’ woven throughout their experience of stroke services. This framework aims to make these ‘small moments and small actions’ visible, and to illustrate how services could “do things different” as we were prompted by stroke survivor, Poihaere Morris (Ngāti Awa). The framework aims to foster a proactive approach to supporting well-being after stroke, offering examples of actions that may be considered by policy makers, educators, service leaders, and individual healthcare professionals to prioritise well-being in stroke care.
Unspoken, Unseen and at Time Silenced: The Emotional Work of People in Stroke Services in Aotearoa
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2023) Ibell-Roberts, Claire; Wilson, Bobbie-Jo; Bright, Felicity
Background Well-being is critical to living well and flourishing after stroke. While physical aspects of recovery are commonly well addressed within services, broader aspects of well-being, including emotional aspects, can remain unrecognised and unsupported in care. Study aim: To identify how people’s experiences in stroke services impact on well-being. Methodology: Interpretive Description, exploring the experiences of people, family and whānau in stroke services Data gathering: Semi-structured interviews. 24 people with stroke and 13 family and whānau members Data analysis: Reflexive thematic analysis Findings: People undertake significant emotional work to navigate the impacts of stroke. People are involved in sense-making about the past and why the stroke occurred, (re)negotiating what is meaningful, navigating deep uncertainty and feelings of disconnection from self, from important others, and from elements of meaning in life. However, the depth of this work was reportedly unseen by others, sometimes hidden from staff, and at times, made visible but then actively or passively silenced through care practices. This could compound the emotional burden carried by people with stroke and whānau, and overall, contributed to people feeling alone and unheard. This burden could be mediated through the inherent resources that people held, through family, whānau and social networks, through cultural and spiritual identity, and through the practices of stroke clinicians.
Grey Matters
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2020-01) Kayes, Nicola; McPherson, Kathryn; Norris, Pauline; Hale, Leigh; Collier, Guy; Reay, Stephen; Hayes, Nick; Worrall, Richard; Mudge, Suzie; Babbage, Duncan; Peri, Kathy; Khoo, Cassie
What is Grey Matters? Your brain, like every other organ in your body, changes over time. Forgetfulness, for example, is a natural part of the ageing process. It’s common to experience other changes too: you might start to notice that you are finding it more difficult to come up with the right word, or losing the thread of conversations, books, and movies. Some people may experience only minor changes to their memory and thinking, while others may find that these changes are starting to interfere with their daily activities. People often come up with unique ways of managing these changes, so there is a lot we can learn from each other. Grey Matters is designed with and for people experiencing changes to their memory and thinking. It is a place where you can: • Learn about the ageing brain and how to keep your brain healthy • Explore the different strategies people use to help them through the day • Hear about the Tips, Tricks and Experiences of others that might help you
WSS - The Work-ability Support Scale
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2022-12-15) Turner-Stokes, Lynne; McPherson, Kathryn; Fadyl, Joanna
WSS is a measure designed to assess an individual's ability to work and support needs in the context of their normal working environment following the onset of acquired disability. WSS is also used to support decision-making with regard to vocational rehabilitation. It is designed to be used both for people actually in work, or as a planning tool for those considering returning to work. The tool has 16 items across three domains of work functioning: -Physical / Environment -Thinking and communicating -Social / Behavioural Scores range from 1 for constant support, to 7 for independence. There are also an additional 7 items related to contextual factors outside the workplace that could affect work functioning. (N.B. This measure is in the process of being updated)
The Living Well Toolkit
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2018) Mudge, Suzie; Kayes, Nicola; Payne, Deborah; McPherson, Kathryn; Kersten, Paula; Weatherall, Mark; Harwood, Matire; Miles, Wayne; Kent, Bruce; Wilkinson-Meyers, Laura; Snell, Debbie; Gow, Peter; Smith, Greta; Sezier, Ann; Potter, Eden; Stewart, Lauren; Thornhill, Byron; Karan, Shivani
The consequences of long term health conditions result in personal, family and societal burdens, that can be reduced with good quality care and support. People living with longterm conditions consider all these aspects to be part of good healthcare. Healthcare providers agree that these three things are vital components of healthcare and that they lead to better outcomes. Despite that, we don’t consistently see these as part of health services. The Living Well Toolkit To address this problem, we aimed to design and implement a toolkit with consumer guidance. We held focus groups and interviews with people with long term neurological conditions, family members and clinicians to determine how to operationalise these three key processes in the healthcare pathway. We developed the Living Well Toolkit following a four year research project, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. The toolkit is a resource for clients living with long-term conditions. We have built on 10 years of research findings listening to what people with long-term conditions want from their healthcare: -Better communication -Building on strengths and resources -Planning for the future There are two parts to the Living Well Toolkit -Living Well Toolkit for clients -Living Well Toolkit for clinicians Living Well Toolkit for clients: Do you think you are getting the best out of your healthcare? We’ve designed the Living Well Toolkit with a lot of help from people with long-term conditions. We’ve listened to how you think healthcare could be better and the ways you think this can be achieved. The Living Well Toolkit can help you think about your needs and the things you want your health professionals to know about you, your family or your situation. Sharing this information with your health professionals helps them better understand your needs and customise care to suit you We’ve seen the toolkit used in lots of different ways. Living Well Toolkit for clinicians: We know that good quality healthcare can improve outcomes and the experience of clients with long-term health needs. Clients tell us that person-centred communication, building on their strengths and resources and planning for the future are important aspects of good healthcare and as clinicians, many of us think we do that well. We’ve talked to clients, family and clinicians about ways these processes could be better and have developed, tested and refined some resources that provide prompts about what matters to clients. “Who is this person and what do they need from me today?” The question that can help orient us to person-centred care, “Who is this person and what do they need from me today?” ADAPT principles As part of our research, we identified the ADAPT principles – five key principles that improve the healthcare experience for clients. Most clinicians who took part in our research found that the prompt card with the central orienting question and the ADAPT principles resonated with their views of person-centred practice and many clinicians found it helpful to remind themselves of these principles before starting a session. Video resources We have also developed some videos that demonstrate contrasting healthcare encounters of a similar clinical interaction. In scenario A, you might recognise common clinical statements and approaches. In scenario B the clinician is attempting to use the ADAPT principles to guide her conversation. Most clinicians recognise elements of their own practice in both videos.
Supporting You Through Your Chronic Pain Journey
(Person Centred Rehabilitation Research Centre, 2024) Seck, Jannisa
Dr Debbie Bean worked with Jannisa Seck from AUT’s School of Art and Design to create a resource that uses visual communication to aid patient understanding and convey the experience of chronic pain. Pain is a universal phenomenon, yet it is difficult to understand and put into words. Previous studies have underscored the effectiveness of visuals, such as illustrations and graphics, in patient education to make information less overwhelming and easier to digest. Additionally, stories in healthcare can be a powerful tool for conveying information and supporting patients.
Extended Reality in Rehabilitation: Innovative or Just an Illusion? A Scoping Review of Interventions for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
(Springer, 2026-05-04) Weiss, Claire; Lewis, Gwyn; Shaikh, Nusratnaaz; Bean, Debbie
Purpose Extended reality (XR) technologies, incorporating virtual and augmented reality, are increasingly being explored as potential adjuncts in the management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, the appropriateness of these interventions in terms of their alignment with CRPS symptomatology, patient experiences, and rehabilitation principles remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to critically examine the current approaches used in XR-based rehabilitation for CRPS and assess their suitability for managing this condition. Methods A systematic search was conducted in several health databases for articles describing the use of XR for management of people with CRPS. Data were extracted on study characteristics and intervention details, and the intervention was critiqued using a custom framework designed to evaluate the incorporation of rehabilitation principles. Results Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. There was considerable diversity in study methodologies, participant characteristics, and technological approaches. All studies provided appropriate theoretical justifications of their intervention and were suitable for clinical use, while most showed potential for CRPS symptom reduction. However, there were significant gaps in the interventions related to fostering independence, feasibility of home use, potential for progression, and cultural considerations. Conclusions XR interventions show promise in certain aspects of CRPS management but opportunities exist for more comprehensive intervention delivery formats that address key rehabilitation principles. Future development and evaluation studies should place greater emphasis on fostering independent use, integration of user feedback, and overtly incorporate cultural considerations.
Reflecting on Challenges and Opportunities for the Practice of Person-Centred Rehabilitation
(SAGE Publications, 2023-02-01) Kayes, NM; Papadimitriou, Christina
OBJECTIVES: To (1) reflect on challenges to the practice of person-centred rehabilitation; and (2) propose opportunities for the development of person-centred rehabilitation. CHALLENGES: Person-centred practice has received widespread endorsement across healthcare settings and is understood to be an important, positive approach in rehabilitation. However, the rhetoric of this approach does not always translate meaningfully into practice. Emphasis on patient choice, patient involvement in decision making, and increasing patient capacity for self-management have become a proxy for person-centred rehabilitation in lieu of a more fundamental shift in practice and healthcare structures. System (e.g. biomedical orientation), organisational (e.g. key performance indicators) and professional (e.g. identity as expert) factors compete with person-centred rehabilitation. OPPORTUNITIES: Four key recommendations for the development of person-centred rehabilitation are proposed including to: (1) develop a principles-based approach to person-centred rehabilitation; (2) move away from the dichotomy of person-centred (or not) rehabilitation; (3) build person-centred cultures of care in rehabilitation; and (4) learn from diverse perspectives of person-centred rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Fixed assumptions about what constitutes person-centred rehabilitation may limit our ability to respond to the needs of persons and families. Embedding person-centred ways of working is challenging due to the competing drivers and interests of healthcare systems and organisations. A principles-based approach, enabled by person-centred cultures of care, may achieve the aspirations of person-centred rehabilitation.
Designing a Self-Guided Digital Intervention for Self-Management of Shoulder Pain in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury: A Tutorial on Using a Person-based Approach
(JMIR Publications, 2026-01-05) Stavric, Verna; Saywell, Nicola L; Kayes, NM
Shoulder pain is prevalent in people living with spinal cord injury. Technology and digital rehabilitation tools are increasingly available, but this has not yet included the provision of a self-guided exercise intervention focused on managing shoulder pain for people living with spinal cord injury. We drew on the person-based approach (PBA) to intervention development to design a Shoulder Pain Intervention delivered over the interNet (SPIN) to address this gap. However, in preparation for the design process, we found very few published examples of how the PBA had been operationalized. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed explanation of our approach and how we operationalized the PBA in the design of SPIN to maximize relevance and engagement. Our design process followed the key PBA steps, combining additional evidence and theoretical components. Each step ensured that guiding principles were formulated and followed to maximize the probability that SPIN would be fit for purpose. We followed 3 steps: (1) we drew on themes from preparatory research (existing and primary) to identify the key behavioral issues, needs and challenges, and existing features to form the basis of SPIN design; (2) we formatted guiding principles that included articulating specific design objectives to provide a framework to identify system requirements; and (3) we selected and refined intervention features using existing literature, behavioral theory, and tools such as the “Behaviour Change Wheel.” We have designed SPIN by incorporating a deep understanding of the users’ needs and best available evidence to maximize engagement and positive outcomes. In this paper, we have made clear how we operationalized the PBA phases, including how existing evidence, theory, tools, and methods were leveraged to support the PBA process. In explicating our process, we have provided a blueprint to guide future researchers using this approach.
Incidence and Outcomes of Major Trauma in New Zealand: Findings From a Feasibility Study of New Zealand's First National Trauma Registry
(New Zealand Medical Association, 2019-05-03) Czuba, KJ; Kersten, P; Anstiss, D; Kayes, NM; Gabbe, BJ; Civil, I; Kool, B; Terry, G; Smith, GA; Rohan, M; Vandal, AC; Siegert, RJ
AIMS: The aim of the study was to pilot the feasibility of long-term outcomes data collection from adult major trauma survivors in New Zealand. This initial paper aims to characterise the New Zealand major trauma population in terms of long-term disability and functional outcomes after major trauma. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of adults who had survived major trauma was conducted between June 2015 and December 2016 at two major trauma centres in Auckland. RESULTS: Of 256 trauma referrals, 112 (44%) were confirmed eligible and consented. One hundred completed the survey at six months and 83 at 12 months. A majority of the study sample were male (72%), under 65 years (84%), with a disproportionally higher number of Māori in the sample (23%). At six months post-injury, the majority of participants were categorised as experiencing either moderate disability (37%) or good recovery (42%). Half of the participants experienced moderate pain at both 6 and 12 months post-injury (50% and 52% respectively), and problems with their usual activities at six months post-injury (51%). CONCLUSIONS: Most study participants made a good recovery, but there was still a large group of people experiencing disability, pain and not in paid employment at 12 months post-injury.
Whakawhiti Kōrero, a Method for the Development of a Cultural Assessment Tool, Te Waka Kuaka, in Māori Traumatic Brain Injury
(Wiley, 2015-10-21) Elder, Hinemoa; Kersten, Paula
The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury is well recognised. The development of tools for these injuries in indigenous communities has been limited despite the well-documented disparity of brain injury. The wairua theory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Māori proposes that a culturally defined injury occurs in tandem with the physical injury. A cultural response is therefore indicated. This research investigates a Māori method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool designed to further examine needs associated with the culturally determined injury and in preparation for formal validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is a method used to develop better statements in the development of the assessment tool. Four wānanga (traditional fora) were held including one with whānau (extended family) with experience of traumatic brain injury. The approach was well received. A final version, Te Waka Kuaka, is now ready for validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is an indigenous method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool in Māori traumatic brain injury. This method is likely to have wider applicability, such as Mental Health and Addictions Services, to ensure robust process of outcome measure and needs assessment development.
Exploring the Experience of Sleep and Fatigue in Male and Female Adults Over the 2 Years Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
(BMJ Publishing Group Limited, 2016-04-08) Theadom, A; Rowland, V; Levack, W; Starkey, N; Wilkinson-Meyers, L; McPherson, K; TBI Experiences Group
Objectives: To explore the experience of fatigue and sleep difficulties over the first 2 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Longitudinal qualitative descriptive analysis of interviews completed as part of a larger longitudinal study of recovery following TBI. Data relating to the experience of fatigue and/or sleep were extracted and coded by two independent researchers. Setting: Community-based study in the Hamilton and Auckland regions of New Zealand. Participants: 30 adult participants who had experienced mild, moderate or severe brain injury within the past 6 months (>16 years of age). 15 participants also nominated significant others to take part. Interviews were completed at 6, 12 and 24 months postinjury. Results: Participants described feeling unprepared for the intensity, impact and persistent nature of fatigue and sleep difficulties after injury. They struggled to learn how to manage their difficulties by themselves and to adapt strategies in response to changing circumstances over time. Four themes were identified: (1) Making sense of fatigue and sleep after TBI; (2) accepting the need for rest; (3) learning how to rest and; (4) need for rest impacts on ability to engage in life. Conclusions: Targeted support to understand, accept and manage the sleep and fatigue difficulties experienced may be crucial to improve recovery and facilitate engagement in everyday life. Advice needs to be timely and revised for relevance over the course of recovery.
Understanding the Complexities of Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals in Rural Health Settings Across Aotearoa: A Qualitative Study
(BMC, 2026-01-30) George, Jane; Kayes, Nicola; Larmer, Peter
Background: Rural and remote communities in Aotearoa New Zealand face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). While targeted investment exists to increase the numbers of doctors and nurses entering the rural workforce, comparatively little attention has been given to Allied Health Scientific and Technical professions. This study aimed to explore what matters to AHPs’ in rural contexts and how these insights could inform recruitment and retention practices. Methods: Drawing on Interpretive Descriptive methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 AHPs from diverse professions, ethnicities and geographical locations across Aotearoa who had experience working in rural and/or remote settings. All participants were female, ranging in age from 23 to 63 years, representing seven allied health professions; social work (n = 7), physiotherapy (n = 4), occupational therapy (n = 2), music therapy (n = 2), psychology (n = 1), dietetics (n = 1), and pharmacy (n = 1). Participants identified as Pākehā | New Zealander (n = 11), Māori (n = 4), Samoan (n = 1), and beyond the Pacific (n = 2). Interviews explored career journeys, rural practice experiences, and employment decision factors. Data were analysed using six-phase Reflexive Thematic Analysis with ongoing researcher reflexivity and supervisory input. Results: Three key themes were constructed: (1) Sense of Connection and Belonging, highlighting the importance of feeling connected to teams, community and place; (2) Safe and Supported Practice, emphasising appropriate resources, professional development, and leadership relationships; (3) Creating Roles People Want to Come For, encompassing recruitment experiences, variety of work, growth pathways and scope of practice. These themes were infused with a cross-cutting concept of ‘Fit’, a felt sense of being in the right place, personally and professionally that emerged as a protective factor during challenges and key element for retention decisions. Conclusion: Successful recruitment and retention requires attention to both professional and personal factors, with particular emphasis on creating environments where AHPs feel valued, supported to develop their practice, and connected to their communities. The Fit concept offers a novel framework integrating professional, personal and place-based elements for understanding rural workforce retention. These insights provide evidence-based guidance for health policy makers, rural health organisations, professional bodies and tertiary education providers seeking to address persistent rural workforce shortages.
Communities With Participation-Enabling Skills: A Study of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury and Their Shared Occupations
(Routledge, 2016-08-30) Jones, M; Hocking, C; McPherson, K
Many ideas about participation in rehabilitation literature focus inwards towards individuals, or individuals and their family, acting in but apart from their environment. Authors position individuals as “participating in” occupations or social settings, or point towards the outcomes for those who do or do not participate. This perspective arguably contributes to occupational injustices, hampering positive change. Literature has not furnished a broader gaze that appreciates individuals and their participation context as one. Actions that occur amongst people collectively with context, in an ongoing cycle of change, receive little attention. Guided by a Deweyan transactional perspective, six case studies exploring the participation of 9–12 year old children with traumatic brain injury generated more contextualised understandings. Interviews with children and community members, photographs, observations, and document-review provided information about actions and changes occurring amongst children and their environment, where these were seen as continuous with one another. This paper describes the Participation-enabling skills that were revealed amongst children and adults who shared in occupations. Community members demonstrated varying ability in using actions that facilitated both themselves and others to take part in occupations. The Participation-enabling skills were fostered during shared occupation. The congruence of the skills with themes in occupational science and therapy literature is explored, and their relevance to social change is proposed.
The UK Functional Assessment Measure (UK FIM+FAM): Psychometric Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Specialist Rehabilitation Following a Stroke From the National UK Clinical Dataset
(Public Library of Science, 2016-01-29) Nayar, M; Vanderstay, R; Siegert, RJ; Turner-Stokes, L
The UK Functional Assessment Measure (UKFIM+FAM) is the principal outcome measure for the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes Collaborative (UKROC) national database for specialist rehabilitation. Previously validated in a mixed neurorehabilitation cohort, this study is the first to explore its psychometric properties in a stroke population, and compare left and right hemispheric strokes (LHS vs RHS). We analysed in-patient episode data from 62 specialist rehabilitation units collated through the UKROC database 2010-2013. Complete data were analysed for 1,539 stroke patients (LHS: 588, RHS: 566 with clear localisation). For factor analysis, admission and discharge data were pooled and randomised into two equivalent samples; the first for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal components analysis, and the second for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Responsiveness for each subject (change from admission to discharge) was examined using paired t-tests and differences between LHS and RHS for the entire group were examined using non-paired t-tests. EFA showed a strong general factor accounting for >48% of the total variance. A three-factor solution comprising motor, communication and psychosocial subscales, accounting for >69% total variance, provided acceptable fit statistics on CFA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation was 0.08 and Comparative Fit Index/ Tucker Lewis Index 0.922/0.907). All three subscales showed significant improvement between admission and discharge (p<0.001) with moderate effect sizes (>0.5). Total scores between LHS and RHS were not significantly different. However, LHS showed significantly higher motor scores (Mean 5.7, 95%CI 2.7, 8.6 p<0.001), while LHS had significantly lower cognitive scores, primarily in the communication domain (-6.8 95%CI -7.7, -5.8 p<0.001). To conclude, the UK FIM+FAM has a three-factor structure in stroke, similar to the general neurorehabilitation population. It is responsive to change during in-patient rehabilitation, and distinguishes between LHS and RHS. This tool extends stroke outcome measurement beyond physical disability to include cognitive, communication and psychosocial function.
Ninety-seven Percent of Trials Investigating Robotic Interventions in Physiotherapy Contained Abstract Spin: A Meta-Research Review
(Wiley, 2026-02-12) Tier, Hilary; Verveer, Jana; Anderson, David B; Quel De Oliveira, Camila; Bartley, Nicci; Mehta, Poonam; Pinto, Rafael Z; Verhagen, Arianne P; McCambridge, Alana B; Stubbs, Peter W
BACKGROUND: Abstract spin involves misrepresenting or misreporting study findings in the abstract of an article. The abstract is the most easily accessible part of the article and may determine if an article is read, purchased or the findings are implemented into practice. Trials using new technologies, such as robotics, may be particularly vulnerable to spin due to the high costs associated with research and development. OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess abstract spin in physiotherapy clinical trials investigating robotic interventions. DESIGN: Meta-research review. METHODS: We searched the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) in August 2024 for two-armed clinical trials investigating robotic interventions compared to nonrobotic interventions, in any patient population. Article screening and data extraction were performed by two people independently. Quality assessment was performed using the PEDro scale with PEDro scores ≥ 6 deemed high quality. Abstract spin was assessed by two independent raters using a 7-item checklist. Spin items were scored "present," "not present" or "not applicable." Data were presented as counts and percentages. RESULTS: We included 160 trials, of which 95% were in neurological physiotherapy and 61% of trials were high quality. Almost all trials (97%) contained at least one item of spin. Most often abstracts failed to mention adverse events (90%) or overenthusiastically interpretated non-significant (primary) outcomes (77%). One percent of abstracts clearly omitted negative primary outcomes, and 23% of abstracts recommended treatments without clinically important effects on the primary outcomes. These low spin percentages were due to many trials not reporting any negative finding and trials not providing a clinical recommendation in the abstract. CONCLUSION: Ninety-seven percent of abstracts in trials investigating robotic interventions in physiotherapy contained spin. Academic journals should be conscious of the high prevalence of abstract spin in robotic trials and consider implementing stricter author guidelines or peer-review practices to ensure abstracts truly reflect the study findings.
Communication as a Dynamic Dance: Physiotherapy Clinical Educators’ Conceptualisations of Effective Communication in Final Year Physiotherapy Students in New Zealand
(Physiotherapy New Zealand, 2025-12-12) Wilson, Carolyn; Bright, Felicity; Mooney, Sarah
Effective communication between the physiotherapist and patient is fundamental to physiotherapy practice. In Aotearoa New Zealand, students must demonstrate “effective communication” to become registered, yet it is unclear what constitutes effective communication. Nor is it clear how clinical educators, who assess students’ communication, conceptualise effective communication. This lack of clarity may have implications for how students’ competency is supported and assessed. This research explores how clinical educators conceptualise effective communication in final year physiotherapy students in musculoskeletal clinical settings in Aotearoa New Zealand. Guided by Interpretive Description, data were gathered from physiotherapy clinical educators using two data sources: written reflections from watching a pre-recorded student-patient interaction, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis of data from seven clinical educators suggested effective communication to be a dynamic dance, featuring continuous interplay between the physiotherapy student and patient. This primary theme had three subthemes each highlighting a distinct feature of communication: 1) Adapting communication moves in response to patients; 2) Control of the interaction; and 3) Building rapport with patients. Findings indicate communication skill development is complex and evolves over the course of one’s professional life. Skill development is also embedded within broader understandings of the role and function of the physiotherapist and, accordingly, supporting students to develop communication competencies requires further attention from educators and researchers alike.
Is Your Ethnicity Data Up to Standard?
(Physiotherapy New Zealand, 2025-12-12) McCambridge, Alana B
Feasibility and Acceptability of WeCare Mentoring, an Online Peer Mentoring Programme for Aged Care Support Workers
(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-09-10) Czuba, Karol J; Vandal, Alain C; Kayes, NM
Background and Objectives In recognition of the aging population and aged care workforce shortages, calls have been made for responsive and effective strategies for this workforce group. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an online mentoring program for aged care support workers serving older adults in New Zealand residential care facilities. Research Design and Methods This mixed-methods study consisted of (1) a nonrandomized single-arm intervention study, with outcome measurement at baseline, 3- and 6-month (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Generic Job Satisfaction, Perceived Stress Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale) and (2) a post-intervention qualitative descriptive study exploring perceived acceptability and feasibility aspects of the proposed intervention. Participants met once a month, for 30–60 min. They followed a program manual to work on self-identified goals. Results Thirty-eight support workers enrolled, and 22 of them took part and completed the 6-month program. The recruitment target was reached within the proposed 3-month timeframe. Data collection procedures were considered practical and convenient. Participants (13 mentees and 9 mentors) reported that the program was appealing and relevant, its duration and intensity appropriate, and the online delivery acceptable. Participants proposed refinements to improve their experience further. Exploratory outcomes analysis found all measures trended in the expected direction. Discussion and Implications The WeCare Mentoring Program was found to be a feasible and acceptable intervention. Participants reported several improvements in their well-being and their caregiving-related skills. The next step is to test the intervention’s effectiveness in a definitive controlled trial or quasi-experimental study. If future efficacy trials prove successful, this program can offer a much-needed support to the aged care workforce, and lead to better outcomes for them and the people they care for.
Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Physiotherapy Clinical Trials in Six Major Physiotherapy Journals Two Decades Apart (2000–2018): A Meta-Research Design
(Informa UK Limited, 2025-07-03) Quel De Oliveira, C; Mehta, P; Nasser, A; Anderson, DB; Kennedy, DS; Pate, JW; Verhagen, AP; Waddell, A; Hildenbrand, C; Wu, L; McCambridge, AB; Stubbs, PW
Aim: Using patient-reported outcomes in research has been incentivised to encourage patient-centred care and ensure patient views are considered. We compared the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in trials published in physiotherapy journals in 2000 and 2018, and evaluated whether the number of PROMs used differed between musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary subdisciplines. Design: Meta-research. Methods: Six major physiotherapy journals were searched for trials published in 2000 and 2018. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics and reporting of PROMs. PROMs were classified according to their outcome domains. Descriptive statistics and inferences were made based on proportions. A 20% difference between 2000 and 2018 was regarded as meaningful. Results: A total of 140 trials were included, 39 were published in 2000 and 101 in 2018. Eighty-four percent (n = 118/140) of trials reported ≥1 PROM, while 89% (n = 125/140) included ≥1 non-PROM. We found no meaningful differences on the average use of PROMs in 2000 and 2018: 74% (29/39) of trials in 2000 versus 88% (89/101) in 2018. PROM use in 2000 and 2018 was 88.5% and 84.4% in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, 57.2% and 86.1% in neurological physiotherapy and 0% and 88% in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. The most used PROM outcome domains were symptoms and symptom burden (75%) and functional status (65%). Conclusion: Most trials from the six major physiotherapy journals sampled in 2000 and 2018 used PROMs, with no meaningful differences when comparing years. Fewer publications in 2000 than 2018 may account for the differences seen in neurological and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy.

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