gms | German Medical Science

Background: In 2016, musculoskeletal disorders constituted the most common reason for sick leave and they are the second most common reason for applying to the Social Insurance Institution of Finland for rehabilitation.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to produce multi-perspective information on the implementation of musculoskeletal group rehabilitation courses. In addition, the aims were to explore the role of the rehabilitee in the rehabilitation, and influences of the rehabilitation on the person's everyday life.

Method: The study applied mixed methods and a multi-perspective approach. The data included questionnaires and group interviews of rehabilitees and rehabilitation professionals, combined with the rehabiltees’ Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) forms. A total of 1839 rehabilitees answered the questionnaire. The rehabilitation professionals' questionnaire received 26 responses. A total of ten group interviews were conducted both with rehabilitees and with rehabilitation professionals. A total of 75 rehabilitees’ goals (n=161) were analysed.

Results/findings: The strength of the group rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders was physical activities training and guidance as well as peer support. Rehabilitees experienced that rehabilitation help them to manage pain in their everyday life. Development areas of rehabilitation were identified, such as rehabilitees’ goals did not guide enough their own training throughout the process and the rehabilitation connected too weakly to the working life.

Discussion and conclusions: This study produced knowledge for shaping the implementation of the group rehabilitation for persons with musculoskeletal disorders in the future. Especially, rehabilitees’ goals should better guide the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, the connection of the rehabilitation to the working life should be strengthened.