Translation and Cultural Adaptation of a Self-Efficacy Educational Resource for Chronic Pain Management for Spanish-Speaking Physiotherapists

• Grant number: 25/00232-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Anamaria Siriani de Oliveira
• Grantee: Carolina Matiello Souza
• Supervisor: Alejandro Luque Suarez
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/12926-4 - Efficacy of adding self-efficacy strategies to strengthening exercises and manual therapy for disability and self-efficacy of individuals with chronic shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation, BP.DD

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain is recognized as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals' functional capacity, work activities, and leisure, while also imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Although robust evidence supports a patient-centered biopsychosocial approach, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial factors in symptom management, its application in clinical practice remains inconsistent. Among psychosocial factors, self-efficacy stands out as a key element, defined as an individual's belief in their ability to organize and execute the actions required to achieve specific goals. It is a strategic and modifiable factor that physiotherapists can leverage to optimize clinical outcomes. Despite its relevance, many professionals face challenges in assessing and implementing strategies to promote self-efficacy in pain management. In this context, the development of specific tools and educational materials is essential to guide clinicians in the practical and effective application of this approach. Thus, this study aims to evaluate physiotherapists' initial impressions of the educational resource "Self-Efficacy in Physical Therapy Practice" using Kirkpatrick's Level 1 evaluation model. The study will analyze aspects such as satisfaction, engagement, and overall perception of the content, quality, and applicability of the material, translated and culturally adapted to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking physiotherapists. The BEPE proposal seeks to enhance the expertise of doctoral student Carolina Matiello Souza in the management of musculoskeletal pain in various conditions, under the supervision of the renowned Prof. Dr. Alejandro Luque-Suarez at the University of Málaga. During the internship, Carolina will contribute to the translation and adaptation of an educational resource on self-efficacy for physiotherapists, aimed at improving the management of musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, she will participate in educational initiatives focused on pain and symptom management for diverse populations, including children, adults, and athletes, through the Chair of Technological Innovation in Health and Pain. Additionally, Carolina will collaborate with Prof. Luque-Suarez in discussing data from the original project developed in Brazil. This collaboration will allow both the student and the Brazilian research group to expand their expertise in pain education, symptom management strategies, and the development and implementation of educational materials to enhance clinical practice.