You never walk alone: Innovative tools to support person-centered physical therapy for patients with intermittent claudication

Abstract

In the Netherlands, supervised exercise therapy combined with lifestyle guidance by a physical therapist is the first-line treatment for patients with intermittent claudication. Person-centred care, placing the “person behind the patient” at the centre, increases the likelihood that treatment decisions truly align with individual needs and preferences. Although shared decision-making is prescribed as the norm by both the physical therapy professional profile and the clinical practice guideline for intermittent claudication, it does not occur automatically in daily practice. This research demonstrates how two decision aids enhance shared decision-making and person-centred care in intermittent claudication treatment without compromising clinical outcomes. It also identifies success factors and barriers for implementation experienced by physical therapists. The insights gained from this research contribute to further advancements in a person-centred approach for patients with intermittent claudication.