Perception of healthcare professionals towards physiotherapists at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital

Abstract

In 2021, World Health Organization defines rehabilitation as a process designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals. This is dependent on the integration of different healthcare professionals into one multidisciplinary team led by strong inter-professional collaborations. The researcher’s interest in perception towards physiotherapists in a rehabilitative setting led to the research question: ‘What is the perception of healthcare professionals working at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital towards physiotherapists?’ The main objective was to identify any trends within established factors that affect perception of healthcare professionals on physiotherapists. A self-designed survey was used for data collection on healthcare professionals (excluding physiotherapists) working at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital. A response rate of 15.4% was achieved (n=51). The factors identified to effect perception were socio-demographic factors, interprofessional communication, scope of practice and personal encounters with physiotherapists. Emerging themes were identified regarding physiotherapy referrals in the rehabilitative setting, the attractiveness to become a physiotherapist and reachability of physiotherapists in this rehabilitative setting. To conclude, more research is needed on a national, European and international level to address knowledge gaps on the role of physiotherapists in the rehabilitative setting.