Acceptability of a nurse-led non-pharmacological complex intervention for knee pain: Nurse and patient views and experiences

Nomikos, Polykarpos Angelos; Hall, Michelle C.; Fuller, Amy; Ogollah, Reuben; Valdes, Ana M.; Doherty, Michael; Walsh, David Andrew; das Nair, Roshan; Abhishek, Abhishek

Abstract

Objectives The overall purpose of this research programme is to develop and test the feasibility of a complex intervention for knee pain delivered by a nurse, and comprising both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. In this first phase, we examined the acceptability of the non-pharmacological component of the intervention; issues faced in delivery, and resolved possible challenges to delivery. Methods Eighteen adults with chronic knee pain were recruited from the community. The intervention comprised holistic assessment, education, exercise, weight-loss advice (where appropriate) and advice on adjunctive treatments such as hot/cold treatments, footwear modification and walking aids. After nurse training, the intervention was delivered in four sessions spread over five weeks. Participants had one to one semi-structured interview at the end of the intervention. The nurse was interviewed after the last visit of the last participant. These were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were identified by one author through framework analysis of the transcripts, and cross-checked by another. Results Most participants found the advice from the nurse easy to follow and were satisfied with the package, though some felt that too much information was provided too soon. The intervention changed their perception of managing knee pain, learning that it can be improved with self-management. However, participants thought that the most challenging part of the intervention was fitting the exercise regime into their daily routine. The nurse found discussion of goal setting to be challenging. Conclusion The nurse-led package of care is acceptable within a research setting. The results are promising and will be applied in a feasibility randomised-controlled trial.

Citation

Nomikos, P. A., Hall, M. C., Fuller, A., Ogollah, R., Valdes, A. M., Doherty, M., Walsh, D. A., das Nair, R., & Abhishek, A. (2022). Acceptability of a nurse-led non-pharmacological complex intervention for knee pain: Nurse and patient views and experiences. PLoS ONE, 17(1), Article e0262422. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262422

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 26, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 13, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 24, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 24, 2022
• Journal: PLoS ONE
• Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: e0262422
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262422
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7336876
• Publisher URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0262422