Context factors for implementation of clinical recommendations for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Abstract

Background: Implementing evidence-informed clinical practice recommendations is important for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) to address the multidimensional impact of the condition. Successful implementation of recommendations requires understanding the multiple context factors that influence CMSP management in different settings.

Aim: This study aims to explore contextual factors that could influence the implementation of evidence-informed clinical practice recommendations for the primary health care of adults with CMSP.

Setting: The study focused on the primary health care (PHC) sector in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. A multidisciplinary panel of 13 local health care professionals participated in focused group discussions. The participants considered multimodal clinical recommendations derived from published clinical practice guidelines. In four focus group discussions (three or four members per group), the panel generated and documented context factors that would influence implementing the recommendations in practice. Inductive content analysis was performed to identify categories and themes.

Results: The five contextual themes generated indicated health care system organisation, human resource requirements, provider practice patterns, patient empowerment and integration into policy as imperative for the successful implementation of recommendations.

Conclusion: There are diverse context factors that could influence the implementation of clinical recommendations for managing CMSP in PHC settings. Identifying these factors as barriers or facilitators is beneficial for developing effective knowledge translation strategies.

Contribution: The study findings indicate that an integrated systems approach supported by health care policy and multisectoral collaboration is needed to successfully implement clinical recommendations to address the impact of CMSP.