Self-management support for patients with nonspecific neck pain: a qualitative descriptive study among physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates

Background Nonspecific neck pain poses significant morbidity and disability affecting physical, mental and social well-being. Though imperative and often recommended as a part of outpatient physiotherapy services, self-management practices remain less frequent in the United Arab Emirates due to unique cultural practices and limited training among physiotherapists in delivering self-management practices. Hence there is a need to evaluate self-management practices recommended by physiotherapists managing the patients with non-specific neck pain. Methods A qualitative study was conducted through an online interview with open-ended questions among 16 physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The interview was audio recorded via Zoom and transcribed appropriately. The quotes were reviewed and coded under themes by two independent reviewers using thematic analysis. Results Respondents expressed the need for self-management support for patients undergoing Physiotherapy treatment for nonspecific neck pain. Patient counseling and education were commonly cited in the self-management support respondents offered. The significant aspects of education and self-care were covered by the themes in the respondents’ support. However, need to improve patient's abilities, providing more information to patients, and developing tools that support self-management were not adequately addressed by the physiotherapists in the UAE. Conclusion Self-management support for patients with nonspecific neck pain is not optimally addressed by physiotherapists. Future research should focus on developing strategies for enhancing self-management support provided by physiotherapists to patients with non-specific neck pain.