Background: As an important contributor to rehabilitation outcomes for individuals experiencing acute injury, the provider-patient relationship has attracted research attention. Conventionally, physiotherapy has prioritised the biomedical approaches in the treatment of patients. However, recent interest in the role of psychosocial factors in therapeutic practice indicates the need for a comprehensive understanding of how relational dynamics impact rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify and synthesise pertinent empirical evidence regarding the effects of psychosocial factors on provider-patient interactions during rehabilitation for patients experiencing acute injury.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Studies investigating psychosocial factors influence on the provider-patient interaction in acute physiotherapy were considered. Specifically, studies between 2015 and 2025 were selected if they examined psychosocial factors, including interpersonal communication, emotional aspects, and therapeutic alliance within the context of rehabilitation. Twenty-nine studies were finally selected for inclusion in the analysis. The studies included patients, athletes, and health care providers.
Results: After careful selection, data from each study were analysed and synthesised into thematic areas. Five main themes emerged: Therapist behaviours and interactions; Patient behaviours and responses; Systemic and Organisational Factors; Therapy Adaptations; and Geographic Disparities in Therapy. Some themes also produced relevant sub-themes. Findings emphasised the need for a therapeutic relationship that encompassed: effective communication, person-centred care, collaborative efforts, and structural supports to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients. Implications for the development of relational skills in practitioners that promote patient engagement and improve the quality of recovery are considered and discussed.
Conclusion: Psychosocial factors are critical to successful acute rehabilitation. However, there exists a gap in translating biopsychosocial concepts into practice to meet both the physical and the psychological healthcare needs of patients.