Defining Therapeutic Patient Education in Musculoskeletal Care: A Scoping Review of Key Themes, Delivery Methods and Intervention Parameters.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the core elements of therapeutic patient education programs for adults with subacute and chronic MSK conditions.

DESIGN

Scoping review to identify specific components of therapeutic patient education programs. LITERATURE SEARCH: Five databases were searched from 2005 to 2025. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials evaluating any types of therapeutic patient education in adults with MSK conditions, compared to rehabilitation interventions. DATA SYNTHESIS: A descriptive synthesis was conducted based on 3 core elements of therapeutic patient education: the themes (activity modification, behavioral approaches, exercise intensity and pain response, pain biology, pain self-management, pathoanatomical/diagnosis, and posture), their delivery methods (contextual examples, education sessions, group interaction, personalized sessions, self-reflection, video, and written materials), and the intervention parameters (duration/session, number of sessions, number of sessions/week, and duration of follow-up).

RESULTS

Seventy therapeutic patient education programs were identified across 62 randomized clinical trials. The most frequently addressed themes were pain biology and pathoanatomical/diagnostic. Education was most frequently delivered through education sessions with verbal explanation, personalized sessions, and written materials. Intervention parameters varied depending on whether the education program was implemented as a stand-alone intervention or combined with other approaches. The general trend observed was 3 to 4 sessions of 40 to 60 minutes over a period of 1 month and an average of 2.5 topics covered.

CONCLUSION

Despite variability in program components, our review provides a foundation for clinicians and underscores the need for future research to identify key elements of therapeutic patient education. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2026;56(4):248-260. Epub 6 March 2026. doi:10.2519/jospt.2026.13784.