Perception of Filipino physicians on the roles and scope of practice of physical therapy in the Philippines: A multi-method quantitative study

Authors

Archelle Jane C. Callejo-Tiuseco, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Christian Rey D. Rimando, University of Santo Tomas, PhilipiinesFollow
Jordan Barbra P. Nava, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Ella Mae S. Rueda, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Kyla Mari P. Carbonell, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Anne Nicole B. Sadiasa, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Aleesa C. Chiong, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Angela Denise L. Wee, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Mark Kenneth I. Lotho, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Chalsea Anne R. Lapid, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
Martin John A. Soriano, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow
James Albert A. Casis, University of Santo Tomas, PhilippinesFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

1st author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1706-0582

2nd author - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8838-7761

3rd author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2833-5676

4th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7182-9380

5th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8468-1549

6th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7453-9215

7th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0427-8598

8th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0467-3515

9th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3009-0177

10th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0005-0097

11th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8753-9559

12th author - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5586-9868

Abstract

Introduction: Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed practitioners who can assess, diagnose, and provide treatment interventions that restore patients to optimal function. While PTs can deliver complete management plans, the practice of physical therapy (PT) in the Philippines follows a referral system where physicians are the first contact of the patient, emphasizing the importance of physician's perception towards the role of PTs and scope of PT service. This study aimed to determine the internal consistency of the Perception on Physical Therapists Questionnaire (PoPTQ), and to use this tool to report the existing perceptions of Filipino physicians on the practice of PT.

Method: This study was divided into two phases and utilized a multi-method quantitative research design. For Phase 1 (psychometric), 18 questionnaires administered to Filipino physicians were used to compute Cronbach's α of PoPTQ. A total of 134 questionnaires of the same population were analyzed for Phase 2 (cross-sectional), in which descriptive statistics and cross tab analysis were used to report the respondents' perceptions. Both phases utilized online means of data gathering done via convenience sampling.

Results: Phase 1 revealed a Cronbach's α value of 0.528 for all items of PoPTQ. Phase 2 showed that physicians who have attended lectures discussing the roles of PTs or have experience with working with them have a higher referral rate than those with no prior exposure to PTs.

Discussion: Filipino physicians believe that PTs can establish strong patient-therapist relationships, treat different patients, and acknowledge the roles of PTs in clinical and research settings. Data suggest that adequate foundational knowledge, positive perceptions, and high awareness of PTs' roles and scope of practice are observed among Filipino physicians. However, there remains a need to increase collaboration opportunities between PTs and physicians in their academic years and programs that focus on the promotion of PT roles and scope of practice.

Recommended Citation

Callejo-Tiuseco, A.C., Rimando, C.D., Nava, J.P., Rueda, E.S., Carbonell, K.P., Sadiasa, A.B., Chiong, A.C., Wee, A.L., Lotho, M.I., Lapid, C.R., Soriano, M.A., Casis. J.A. (2022). Perception of Filipino physicians on the roles and scope of practice of physical therapy in the Philippines: A multi-method quantitative study. Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy, 1(1):1-15. https://doi.org/10.46409/002.JBQR2261