Translation and Adaptation of the Online Course 'Getting it Right: Addressing Shoulder Pain' (GRASP) into Brazilian Portuguese with a Proposal for Implementation in the Brazilian Context

• Grant number: 24/13238-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Paula Rezende Camargo
• Grantee: Lívia Bernardi Nardini
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder pain related to rotator cuff disorders is quite common in primary care. These conditions significantly contribute to work absences and put a strain on the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) due to the high demand for exams, surgeries, and medications. Clinical guidelines recommend exercise-based physiotherapy as an effective initial treatment to improve pain, mobility, and function in patients with shoulder pain and emphasize the importance of patient education to enhance these outcomes and reduce costs. The study "Getting it Right: Addressing Shoulder Pain" (GRASP), developed in the United Kingdom, compared a supervised progressive home exercise program with a single in-person session with a physiotherapist, focused on providing guidance and exercises, emphasizing self-management of pain. This study led to the development of a free online course aimed at training professionals. Objectives: The primary objective is to translate, adapt, and make the GRASP course available in Portuguese. The secondary objective is to assess SUS physiotherapists' perceptions of the feasibility of implementation and identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of the GRASP program in the Brazilian context. Methods: The translation of the GRASP course into Portuguese was authorized by its creators. It is divided into two weekly modules, each with an approximate duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. The translation team will consist of Brazilian researchers fluent in English and experienced in shoulder rehabilitation, supervised by senior researchers to ensure the quality of the translation. After the initial translation of week 1, a review and consensus on appropriate terms will be made with the coordinating team. The same process will be applied to week 2, followed by a grammatical review before submission to the UK University for the online availability of the course in Portuguese. Physiotherapists from the public health network (SUS) will be invited to take the course, and an online questionnaire will be applied to collect professionals' perceptions about the feasibility and potential barriers to implementing the GRASP program in the Brazilian context. Expected results: The translation of the course aims to train healthcare professionals and integrate the material into public services, seeking to reduce costs and waiting lists. Additionally, it aims to expand access to the course across various regions of Brazil, promoting more effective shoulder pain treatment among healthcare professionals.