Knowledge of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation among Medical Graduates in Kolkata, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: With the changing demographics and increasing burden of chronic diseases and their consequences, there is increasing need for rehabilitation care. But unfortunately there is lack of knowledge and awareness about Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) among healthcare professionals including Indian Medical Graduates (IMG) and medical students. Aim: To evaluate the basic knowledge and perception regarding PMR among IMGs at a Medical College in Kolkata, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among interns posted at the Department of PMR, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from May 2023 to April 2024. Altogether 165 out of total 200 interns of the current batch filled up an anonymous, pretested, predesigned, structured questionnaire. Prior ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee. The questionnaire had 20 items, of which 15 were about knowledge pertaining to different aspects of PMR and two questions on the participant’s opinion regarding inclusion of PMR in undergraduate medical curriculum and PMR as a good option for pursuing a postgraduate course in future. The remaining three items are on participant’s age, sex and sources of knowledge regarding PMR. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Chi-square test was used to compare between male and female participants regarding their opinion about inclusion of PMR in undergraduate medical curriculum and their willingness to pursue PMR as a postgraduate course in future, at 5% significance level. Results: The study showed that 75.2% (124/165) of the participants had correct knowledge about the full form of “PMR”. But only 27.9% (46/165) could correctly identify “physiatrist” as the team leader of the rehabilitation team. Eighty three percent (137/165) of them were knowledgeable about the level of prevention, the term “rehabilitation” represented. However, only 30.3% (50/165) and 31.5% (52/165) knew the meaning of “disability and “handicap” respectively. It was observed that 34.5% (57/165) were aware about when to start rehabilitation for any clinical condition. About 33.9% (56/165) had the correct idea that PMR interventions can improve Quality of Life (QOL). Majority was found to be unsure about inclusion of PMR in undergraduate curriculum and whether to pursue PMR in post postgraduate course. Conclusion: There was gross lack of knowledge regarding PMR among the participating interns.