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Patient Perspectives on Psychologically-Informed Physiotherapy Interventions for Chronic Musculoskeletal and Widespread Pain: A Protocol of Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) are major contributors to disability worldwide, characterized by complex biopsychosocial interactions. Psychologically-informed physiotherapy (PiP) has emerged as an innovative approach integrating physical, behavioral, and psychological strategies within standard physiotherapy practice. While evidence supports PiP effectiveness for pain, function, and psychological outcomes, patient perspectives regarding these interventions remain underexplored, and no comprehensive synthesis has yet examined how individuals with CMP and CWP perceive and experience PiP interventions. This qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) aims to identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative studies exploring patient perspectives on PiP interventions for adults living with CMP and CWP. The protocol and the QES follow the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) and preferred items for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses for protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, respectively. The search will cover Medline (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid), and Web of Science Core Collection from March 2011 to 6 August 2025, supplemented by gray literature and citation tracking searches. Eligible studies must include adults with CMP or CWP who have received PiP interventions and report qualitative data on patient perspectives. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data, and assess methodological quality using the Cochrane qualitative Methodological Limitations Tool. Thematic synthesis will be employed to analyze patient perspectives. Confidence in the findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. This QES is anticipated to identify key themes reflecting diverse patient perspectives on PiP implementation, providing comprehensive insights into patients’ needs and preferences regarding these interventions. The findings will inform evidence-based development and delivery of PiP interventions, supporting improvements in clinical outcomes and physiotherapists training while optimizing patient-centred chronic pain management.

Source: International Journal of Qualitative Methods

DOI: 10.1177/16094069251407047