Perceptions of Physiotherapists in Relation to Spiritual Care

Abstract

Few studies have examined the perceptions of health professionals towards spiritual care in the UK despite recent policies from the National Health Service (NHS) surrounding spiritual care provision. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have examined the perceptions of physiotherapists either in the UK or worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of Scottish physiotherapists in relation to spirituality and spiritual care in health care, including the role of spirituality in health, barriers to spiritual care provision, and training. Questionnaires were sent to Physiotherapy Departments in all 14 NHS Trusts in Scotland in order to achieve a representative random sample from across Scotland. There was participation from all 14 Trusts with participants self-selecting to complete the questionnaire. A 30% response rate (274/916) was achieved. All returned questionnaires were completed with minimal or no omissions. The majority of physiotherapists agreed that spirituality is an important aspect of health care and that some level of spiritual care is appropriate to physiotherapy. Lack of training and confusion over the role of physiotherapists in spiritual care provision were also highlighted. The main barriers identified by the sample were lack of training or experience, uncertainty over managing spiritual issues, and lack of time. The study concludes that physiotherapists need guidance over their expected role in spiritual care provision, and adequate training in order to fulfil this role. Referral pathways to specialist spiritual care services need to be made clearer and more accessible.

A survey regarding the role of UK dietitians in spiritual care

“…These findings are highly consistent with those seen across other healthcare professions, including surveys and qualitative studies, in nursing, 7,8,37 palliative care medicine, 38 physiotherapy, 12 occupational therapy 11 and, most recently, pharmacy 39 . A common thread remains across the present study and the findings across the wider literature around healthcare professionals views of spiritual care, which is that spiritual care is considered as fundamental to incorporate into practice, although better training and education on its provision is required for it to be practiced more widely and with confidence.…”

“…The survey was based on previous questionnaires undertaken in other health professions. These were drawn from work undertaken in occupational therapy, 9,10,28 physiotherapy, 12 general practice, 29 nursing and midwifery 30,31 and physicians, 32 and adapted to be relevant to the dietetic profession; for example, referring to dietitians and specific areas of dietetic practice such as assessment of diet history and the meeting of nutrition and hydration needs.…”

“…11 A survey of physiotherapists across Scotland showed the vast majority felt spiritual care was within their scope of their practice even if this was referring on to a more qualified professional such as a healthcare chaplain, but more training was needed. 12 Dietitians are trained to consider the dietary needs of people from different faiths and cultures, to respect the needs of all service users, irrespective of personal beliefs and values, and ensure dietary advice is tailored to an individual's beliefs and preferences. 13 Their practice considers biopsychosocial aspects of health and must be evidence based.…”

“…Although spiritual care has long been considered an important part of occupational therapy practice, 9,10 there is still a need for improvement in providing this aspect of care 11 . A survey of physiotherapists across Scotland showed the vast majority felt spiritual care was within their scope of their practice even if this was referring on to a more qualified professional such as a healthcare chaplain, but more training was needed 12 …”

Australian Patient Preferences for Discussing Spiritual Issues in the Hospital Setting: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

“…There is a high level of acknowledgement by healthcare providers (HCP) that spiritual care is part of their role, for example, by doctors (Best et al, 2016a , 2016b ), nurses (McSherry & Jamieson, 2011 ; Ross & McSherry, 2018 ), social workers (Hughes et al, 2018 ), and physiotherapists (Turner & Cook, 2016 ). However, this acknowledgement is not reflected in the amount of care provided (Best et al, 2016a , 2016b ).…”