# An interprofessional approach to treat bodily distress disorder in Swiss primary care – a quality improvement study

## TL;DR

A Swiss study shows that a team approach with doctors and physiotherapists improves care for patients with bodily distress disorder.

## Contribution

The study introduces a practical interprofessional care pathway for bodily distress disorder in primary care settings.

## Key findings

- Patients showed significant improvement in BDD symptoms and physical activity levels after six months.
- General practitioners gained confidence in treating BDD through collaboration with physiotherapists.
- The interdisciplinary approach was positively received by both patients and healthcare professionals.

## Abstract

Managing bodily distress disorder (BDD) requires an interprofessional, holistic therapeutic approach, which can be challenging to implement in routine care.

The aim was to evaluate a care pathway for patients with BDD involving general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists.

Participants were patients aged 18 years or older with BDD symptoms and the PHQ-15 (Patient Health Questionnaire 15-Item) score > 9. The treatment consisted of patient education by GPs about BDD and stress, sleep interventions, physical exercises and support to develop an active lifestyle (> 150 min per week of moderate-intensity physical activity), as measured with the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS). Patient outcomes (PHQ-15 and PAVS) were compared at baseline and after six months. A survey assessed the perspectives of both patients and health professionals about the treatment.

A total of 70 patients treated by 11 GPs and 6 physiotherapists were involved. Comparing outcomes at baseline vs. after six months (median [IQR]): PHQ-15 decreased, 14 [11, 17] vs. 8 [5, 12], p < 0.001; PAVS increased, 60 [30, 120] vs. 120 [60, 180], p < 0.001; GP confidence (scale 0–100) in treating BDD increased, 50 [38, 66] vs. 82 [66, 85], p = 0.005. Feedback from patients, GPs and physiotherapists about the intervention was positive.

The interprofessional care pathway for patients with BDD had a positive impact on patient outcomes, GP treatment confidence, and was well-received by both patients and health professionals. It can be adapted across primary care systems and tailored to local contexts to improve the quality of care.

Educating patients about bodily distress disorder (BDD) and stress, sleep hygiene and supporting an active lifestyle improves patient outcomes.GPs’ treatment confidence improves with collaboration with physiotherapists.The interdisciplinary approach to BDD can be adapted across primary care systems and tailored to local contexts to improve the quality of care.

Educating patients about bodily distress disorder (BDD) and stress, sleep hygiene and supporting an active lifestyle improves patient outcomes.

GPs’ treatment confidence improves with collaboration with physiotherapists.

The interdisciplinary approach to BDD can be adapted across primary care systems and tailored to local contexts to improve the quality of care.