“We Are the Bridge.” A Qualitative Approach to Compare Value Perceptions of Rehabilitation Therapists in the Academic Medical Center

Introduction and Review of Literature: Rehabilitation therapists contribute to academic medical center (AMC) teams. However, their self-perceptions of the value they add in the AMC have not been fully explored, which may contribute to misunderstandings about their role in the AMC. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare rehabilitation therapists’ perceived value in the AMC from the viewpoints of rehabilitation therapists and non-rehabilitation therapists (NRTs). Subjects: A convenience sample of 25 rehabilitation therapists and 16 NRTs participated in this study. Methods: Participants were recruited via email to answer a survey including demographic data and an invitation to participate in a focus group. Therapist participants were also surveyed about their perceived value. Survey data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Focus groups were conducted virtually, and data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Coding was performed iteratively until the researchers derived the themes and subthemes. Results: Quantitative data indicated that rehabilitation therapists believed they were more valued by fellow therapists than NRTs. Qualitative themes from the therapists were: (1) value in our unique professional role, (2) misunderstandings of the professional role, (3) lack of respect about what we contribute, and (4) bridging the gaps between the patient and caregivers with the rest of the interprofessional team. NRTs’ themes were: (1) role of the therapist, (2) therapy as a resource, and (3) value to patients and NRTs. Discussion and Conclusions: Data demonstrated differences in therapists’ and NRTs’ perceptions of value and guided opportunities for AMC leaders to improve interprofessional communication and collaboration to influence a positive culture shift. A deeper understanding of rehabilitation therapists’ value could enhance therapists’ professional identity and their interprofessional interactions in the AMC.