Physiotherapy rehabilitation experiences of people with shoulder dislocation in ARTISAN study: a qualitative study

Background: Acute Rehabilitation following Traumatic anterior shoulder dISlocAtioN (ARTISAN) was a large trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two rehabilitation interventions in adults with a first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation. Participants were allocated to receive either a single session of advice (ARTISAN) or a single session of advice and a programme of physiotherapy (ARTISAN plus). Trial results illustrated that additional physiotherapy after an initial session was not superior in improving functional outcomes for participants.

Objectives: In this study, we aim to explore the experiences of a purposive sample of participants from both the ARTISAN and ARTISAN plus groups regarding their rehabilitation journey.

Design: This is a semistructured interview-based study.

Setting: The study was conducted in the United Kingdom.

Participants: Thirty-one participants of ARTISAN trial: 16 participants from ARTISAN group and 15 from ARTISAN plus group.

Outcome measures and analysis: The study follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. The framework analysis was used to synthesise the participants' experiences. The interviews were coded through NVivo 12.6.1.

Results: Three dominant and interrelated topics emerged from the interview data: (1) feelings about their shoulder rehabilitation outcome, (2) judgement of ARTISAN rehabilitation materials, (3) assessment of shoulder rehabilitation service provision.

Conclusion: Both forms of intervention have some merit for some individuals. Thus, it may be appropriate to look at the patients' preference for offering treatment to them. Recognising and facilitating this will be of benefit to both the patients and healthcare as a whole.