Health Professionals’ Motivational Strategies to Enhance Adherence in the Rehabilitation of People with Lower Limb Fractures: Scoping Review

Abstract

Patients with lower limb fractures require rehabilitation but often struggle with adherence to interventions. Adding motivational strategies to rehabilitation programs can increase patient adherence and enhance outcomes. This review aims to identify the motivational strategies used by health professionals in the rehabilitation of people with lower limb fractures. We used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework to structure and conduct this scoping review. The literature search was performed using the Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Nursing & Allied Health, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The final search was conducted in February 2023. A total of 1339 articles were identified. After selecting and analyzing the articles, twelve studies were included in this review. Health professionals use several strategies to motivate patients with lower limb fractures to adhere to rehabilitation programs. These strategies include building a therapeutic alliance, increasing patients’ health literacy, setting achievable goals, personalizing the rehabilitation program, managing unpleasant sensations of exercise, using persuasion, providing positive reinforcement, avoiding negative emotional stimulation, and helping to seek support. The motivational strategies identified may help professionals to increase patient adherence to rehabilitation for lower limb fractures. This knowledge will allow these professionals to help patients overcome barriers to rehabilitation, enhance their motivation, and ultimately improve their recovery outcomes.