(HIpE) 2009 Program and Abstracts - Health Sciences - Curtin ...

AbstractsMindfulness-Based Functional Therapy (MBFT) for chronic back pain: An integration of psychologyand physiotherapy practicesDr Clare Rees, Dr Jenny Thornton & Robert Schütze, School of PsychologyAssociate Professor Peter O'Sullivan, Dr Helen Slater, Prof Tony Wright , Bronwyn Middleton & KathrynDevereaux, School of PhysiotherapyCurtin University of TechnologyThis project aims to explore the feasibility and utility of running a group-based blended psychology andphysiotherapy intervention for patients with chronic low back pain. Although some components of thisintervention have been previously used in research and clinical settings, this is a novel combination of therapiesthat aims to integrate psychological and physio-therapuetic approaches in a way that is more effective thanusing each modality separately. Therefore an important aim of this pilot study is to develop and refine thismultidisciplinary protocol. Specifically, the aim is to create a protocol for an intervention that uses mindfulnessbasedcognitive and functional training to improve outcomes in chronic back pain patients.In testing this protocol, the study aims to determine the feasibility of delivering such an intervention in a groupformat. It therefore seeks to gather data about: adherence and attrition to the program, participant satisfaction,and practical obstacles to overcome in successfully running a Mindfulness-Based Functional Therapy (MBFT)group intervention. Since this is an innovative intervention, the proposed study uses an open trial methodologyto establish the general feasibility and also initial impact of the study in determining whether a morecomprehensive controlled trial is warranted.Since research will take place in an educational setting, a related aim of the study is to determine the feasibilityand value of utilising the delivery of MBFT as a teaching tool. Specifically, the study will test whetherpostgraduate students in psychology and physiotherapy may benefit from observing and participating in thedelivery of MBFT as part of an internal practicum placement.Award for Best PresentationThe Faculty of Health Sciences if offering a prize for best presentation at the StudentInterprofessional Education Conference 2009.The Award for Best Presentation is offered to encourage presenters to engage with theaudience and demonstrate good Teaching and Learning practice.Attendees are asked to select the best presentation (one only) from the sessions attended.Health Interprofessional Education (HIpE 2009) — Student Conference 15