The lived experiences of musculoskeletal physiotherapists managing patient expectations for diagnostic imaging: A qualitative study using a phenomenological analysis

Objectives: Unnecessary diagnostic imaging for musculoskeletal presentations is a pervasive phenomenon, placing a substantial weight on healthcare resources. Their overuse can lead to iatrogenic consequences associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Factors which contribute to inappropriate imaging are multifactorial. Clinician-patient beliefs, behaviours, and expectations have been identified as central drivers. Physiotherapists play an important role in the utilisation of diagnostic imaging for musculoskeletal presentations throughout healthcare settings. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of physiotherapists managing patient expectations for diagnostic imaging.Design: A qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five participants were purposefully recruited and took part in semi-structured individual interviews.Results: The central themes identified were expectations for diagnostic imaging, managing expectations, communicating imaging findings, imaging as a therapeutic tool, and risk and uncertainty. Conclusion: The findings from this study gives new insights into how musculoskeletal physiotherapists manage expectations for diagnostic imaging, the associated complexities, and the challenges encountered.