Impact of Physiotherapist Communication on Chronic Pain Outcomes
Effectiveness of Physiotherapist's Communication Skills on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if showing patients videos of good or bad communication from physiotherapists can change how they feel about their chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 69 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lamia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06175884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the communication skills of physiotherapists affect clinical outcomes in patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. A total of 69 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one will receive a video demonstrating effective communication skills, another will view a video with poor communication, and the control group will not watch any video. The aim is to assess how these different communication approaches influence the patients' pain experience and overall clinical presentation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Greek-speaking adults experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain in the cervical or lumbar spine, knee, or shoulder for more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, recent surgery, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance treatment outcomes for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain through improved communication strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of enhancing communication skills in physiotherapy is less commonly studied, there is evidence suggesting that effective communication can improve patient outcomes in various healthcare settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants should speak and understand the Greek language, as the questionnaires and the video will be in Greek * Participants should experience pain in one of the following four different areas: cervical or lumbar spine, knee, or shoulder * Pain of musculoskeletal origin * Pain lasting more than 3 months, evident on most days of the week to be classified as chronic pain, with a pain intensity of at least 3/10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Exclusion Criteria: * Medication for neurological/psychiatric disorders * Pain medication on the day agreed upon with the researcher, in order to minimize the potential influence of medication * Undergoing surgery in the last six months * Pregnancy or childbirth before 1 year
Where this trial is running
Lamia
- University of Thessaly — Lamia, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Konstantina Savvoulidou
- Email: ksavvoulidou@uth.gr
- Phone: +30 223 106 0235
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.