Opportunities and challenges of professional practice by physiotherapists

Abstract: CONTEXT: Physiotherapy is one of the major professions that has been gaining popularity for dealing with the demanding challenges arising from injury, aging, lifestyle changes, or underlying health conditions. Physiotherapy is growing as various teaching colleges are increasing and the number of physiotherapy practitioners is increasing due to its growing need. Its distribution and penetration are also growing in the public and private sectors. AIMS: This paper discusses the practice-related issues faced by physiotherapists that emerged during the interviews with physiotherapists. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study followed a qualitative research design. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with physiotherapists ( n = 42) in hospitals and teaching institutions using random sampling in five institutions in New Delhi. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Thematic analysis was done to analyse the data. RESULTS: Some physiotherapy practice-related issues that emerged during the interviews are little job creation in the physiotherapy departments, lack of appropriate physiotherapy infrastructure and location at the institutions, lack of autonomy in clinical decision-making, and inequity in pay parity and promotions. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists’ practice is affected by multiple factors such as their position administrative structure, salary structure, and their numerical number, which gives them authority to make clinical and administrative decisions. Physiotherapy is even more pertinent in light of the shifting disease burden because it relies on nonpharmaceutical interventions and can be used more widely by the general public. To fully utilize physiotherapy, a system that empowers physiotherapists to diagnose and treat patients for the illnesses for which they are qualified must be created.