Co-Designing solutions to improve Knowledge Mobilisation in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are extremely common and negatively impact on people’s lives, accounting for over 60% of NHS physiotherapy consultations. Knowledge Mobilisation is challenging for MSK physiotherapists. Creative Co-Design, drawing on tools from the field of Design, could help develop tangible solutions to improve Knowledge Mobilisation in MSK physiotherapy practice. Aim To use Creative Co-Design to improve the way knowledge is mobilised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. Design and methods A sequential three-phase study. Phase 1: Systematic review of the use of Co-Production, Co-Design and Co-Creation to mobilise knowledge in the management of health conditions. Phase 2: Non- participant observations of physiotherapists and semi-structured interviews with 14 physiotherapists and 13 people with MSK disorders. Phase 3: Creative Co-Design workshops and prototype development with 17 physiotherapists and 10 people of MSK disorders with the assistance of a Design Researcher. Findings A framework of key aspects and mechanisms of ‘Co’ approaches was developed from the systematic review of 24 papers. Observations, interviews, and Creative Co-Design workshops, with physiotherapists and patients, to understand the factors that influence Knowledge Mobilisation in MSK physiotherapy generated understanding of the problems. They included: access to and accessibility of evidence and knowledge where physiotherapists utilise their peers and the internet and social media; a person-centred approach because evidence is a poor fit for some patients; relationship building, including managing expectations and clear communication, is important. Solutions were identified around making evidence accessible, managing expectations, and clear communication. Two prototype storyboards were developed of a digital concept which incorporated patient and physiotherapist resource packs: ‘Physio in a Box’, including pre appointment information; and ‘Evidence in a Box’ including evidence and information appraisal and sharing templates. Conclusion Creative Co-Design enabled the development of a suite of resources to improve Knowledge Mobilisation throughout physiotherapy appointments.