Exploring athlete pain assessment experiences and priorities; A two-part qualitative series of athlete and physiotherapist interactions. Part Two. “Forging Our Future” - Athlete and physiotherapists’ priorities for pain assessment and beyond

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the priorities and directions of athlete upper and lower limb pain assessment by facilitating shared understandings of athletes and sports physiotherapists.DesignQualitative Research using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach.MethodsWe carried out focus groups using a deliberate criterion sample and a constructivist perspective. At the end of each focus group, we used the nominal group technique method to generate a list of consensus-based priorities for future pain assessment. Our paper follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.ResultsWe completed five focus groups, comprising twelve athletes (female, n=5, male n=7) and four sports physiotherapists (male, n=4) Two final themes (and six subthemes) were developed; (i) Enhanced Communication and Pain Descriptions (describing and representing pain, better communication, the role of technology, providing direction and setting the pace), (ii) Integrating Sport Specific and Multidimensional Assessments (broadening the pain assessment toolkit, the role of technology). We developed a set of thirteen practical priorities for pain assessment that span the subjective, objective, and general aspects of the athlete pain assessment.ConclusionWe have presented stakeholder-generated perspectives, directions, and priorities for athlete pain assessment. Athletes and Physiotherapists must continue to work together to achieve a comprehensive sport-specific multidimensional pain assessment experience alongside their wider support networks to ensure optimal representation and communication. We have highlighted some available pain assessment tools and strategies and outlined how novel tools may address certain gaps in the assessment process. Researchers, clinicians, and athletes can consider the practical guidance we have provided to address these priorities.