Knowledge of physiotherapy services among hospital-based health care professionals in Papua New Guinea
- Author:
Priya Karthikeyan
1
;
Anne Jones
2
Author Information
1. Department of Physiotherapy, Divine Word University
2. Discipline of Physiotherapy, James Cook University, Townsville
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Papua New Guinea medical journal
2015;58(1-4):55-60
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
It is not clear to what extent the health care professionals in Papua New Guinean
hospitals are aware of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation services available to them.
A study was conducted aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and perception of
physiotherapy by hospital-based health professionals using a simple self-administered
closed and open-ended questionnaire. 200 questionnaires were sent to each of five major
hospitals but only 145 responses (15%) were received from different cadres of health
professionals. Responses from nursing officers accounted for 46% (n = 67) while those
from medical officers accounted for only 10% (n = 14). The respondents generally showed
a lack of knowledge about physiotherapy services. It is suggested that inter-professional
training and communication should be given greater attention during medical and health
professional training to ensure that all health professionals are aware of the role and
importance of physiotherapy services.
