Patient Perspectives of Process Variables in Musculoskeletal Care Pathways
Date
Authors
Harvey, Daniel
White, Steve
Reid, Duncan
Cook, Chad
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Abstract
Background The prevalence of disability caused by musculoskeletal conditions continues to increase. Little research has considered the effect of process variables of a musculoskeletal care pathway on patient outcomes. A process variable is as any modifiable factor in a pathway that can be quantified and measured and that if varied may achieve a different operational or patient outcome. The perspective of patients on what process variables are important in musculoskeletal care pathways remains unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate which process variables are important to patients and what their experiences of these processes were during the rehabilitation of their musculoskeletal conditions. Method: A qualitative study using a reflexive thematic analytical approach was undertaken. Four focus groups with 12 participants were conducted. Thematic analysis was utilized on the focus group data. Results Four key themes were generated: 1) Process matters; (2) Quantifying progress facilitated patient engagement; (3) Benefits of equitable access of care; and (4) Recovery made easier with navigation. Conclusion Patients with musculoskeletal conditions recognise the importance of process variables, especially timeliness, order of care, coordination of care delivery, quantifying progress, equity of access and navigation. These findings offer insights to care pathway designers as well as future research opportunities examining the effects of process variables on the outcomes of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.Description
Keywords
32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 4201 Allied Health and Rehabilitation Science, 4203 Health Services and Systems, 3202 Clinical Sciences, 42 Health Sciences, 7.1 Individual care needs, 8.1 Organisation and delivery of services, 3 Good Health and Well Being
Source
Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, ISSN: 2468-7812 (Print), Elsevier BV, 76, 103287-103287. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103287
Publisher's version
Rights statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).