Fysioterapeuters upplevelser av att möta och behandla patienter med depression : En intervjustudie

Sammanfattning: Background: Depression is one of the most common endemic diseases in Sweden and physiotherapists are one of the occupational groups that encounters this patient group. Physiotherapeutic treatments have shown good results, but physiotherapists are not seen as the primary practitioner for this patient group. In primary care, physiotherapists encounter many patients suffering from depression. Purpose: To investigate physiotherapists experiences of treating patients suffering from depression and how these encounters and treatments can be improved in the future. Method: Qualitative interview study. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with physiotherapists in primary care. Results: The experiences that the physiotherapists shared about patient meetings with patients suffering from depression were examined through qualitative content analysis. This resulted in three main categories: The key to success in meetings with patients suffering from depression according to physiotherapists, Things to keep in mind before meeting with patients with depression and Suggestions for improvement by physiotherapists. Conclusion: Distinct expectations, a structured treatment plan and the use of physiotherapeutic treatment methods facilitate the treatment of patients with depressive symptoms. The patient meeting should focus on investigating underlying factors and finding potential behavioral changes in the patient. A calm and safe environment contributes to a more receptive patient. The interprofessional collaboration has development potential in healthcare.