First contact physiotherapy practioner (perspectives of physiotherapists in Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the first contact physiotherapy practioner. Objectives: To determine physiotherapists perception regarding their profession as a first contact practitioner; to explore the opinion of physiotherapists in term of their working site; to find out the barriers which restricted their first contact practitioner; to identify their satisfaction as well as level of confidence in their job; and to develop the confidence level of the physiotherapists. Methodology: Face-to-face qualitative research approach is applied with a open ended questionnaire. Total number of sample was 21. Physiotherapist with age ranging (25-30), (76.19%), (31-36), (23.81%), from them male was 9 with 42.86% and female were 12 with 57.14%. Muslim participant were 19, Hindu 2 with a percentage of 90.47% and 9.53%. Results: This study result suggests that first contact physiotherapy practioner was viewed positively by physiotherapists. Physiotherapists expressed that, they have enough knowledge to treat a disease condition especially musculoskeletal, some neurology and paedriatic condition and they have enough knowledge for prescribing drugs. The opportunity for physiotherapist to extend and manage a disease condition, particularly need prescribing drugs. Physiotherapists also commented that, people are unaware about physiotherapy. To treat a patient, physiotherapist faces lots of problem. Physiotherapists expressed that another profession does not give respect them. But gradually it can be changed. Supervisor level of confidence in, and comfort with acting as first contact practioner were voiced by the majority of the physiotherapist among all other professionals who are easily accessible. And they also expressed that, to solve the problem, need to establish a college of physiotherapy, and make a opportunity to government sector. Conclusion: First contact practice is possible for Bangladesh, if create job at government sector and appropriate council.