Physiotherapy students’ knowledge and attitudes about their role in mental health

Gunduza, Ropafadzo R.; Lord, Sandy; Keller, Monique M.

doi:10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1867

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 18 publications

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“…The results of the image regarding knowledge gaps align with findings from other studies wherein medical professionals exhibited a lack of knowledge within our field [24]. Even final-year medical students in Nigeria displayed a moderate level of unfamiliarity along with a positive attitude towards mental health [25]. Hence, numerous participants have articulated the notion that the specialty primarily involves the management of physical pathologies rather than mental health concerns.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study

Bravo,

Minano-Garrido,

Carballo-Costa

et al. 2023

Healthcare

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Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the image, perception, and beliefs regarding the role of the physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy, both among the professional community and other multidisciplinary teams. Methods: An observational phenomenological qualitative study through the administration of an ad hoc survey comprising both categorical and open-ended as well as quantitative questions was conducted. Results: A total of 368 responses were analysed. The participants comprised 78.4% women with a mean age of 37.5, an average professional experience of 14.33 years, and 88.3% practicing physical therapists. From the qualitative analysis conducted, three categories emerged in relation to the obtained responses: (a) functions with codes of “improving quality of life” and “intervening in physical pathologies”; (b) objectives with codes of “Improving quality of life”, “Intervening in physical pathologies”, “Functional rehabilitation”, “Health promotion”, and “Intervening in mental disorders”; and (c) image with codes “unfamiliarity”, “holistic vision”, “necessity”, and “importance”. Regarding the tools, the findings highlight a strong focus on physical exercise interventions due to their well-established benefits. Cognitive strategies like therapeutic relationships and cognitive–behavioural techniques were also prominent. Additionally, embodiment techniques involving movement, relaxation, breathing, and voice usage were notable. Lastly, manual therapy and physical agents formed another distinct category. Conclusions: The vision and role of this professional profile were unknown to the respondents. Despite being perceived as having a holistic view of the patient and being considered an essential need, the actual image remains vague. However, there is significant interest, indicating a promising future, although the lack of specialized training is noted. Therefore, the need for specialized education and awareness campaigns among professionals in the mental health field is highlighted.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study

Bravo,

Minano-Garrido,

Carballo-Costa

et al. 2023

Healthcare

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Mental health content in the physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum in South Africa

Hooblaul,

Olagbegi,

Nadasan

2024

South African Journal of Physiotherapy

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Background: Knowledge about mental health in physiotherapy practice is essential as mental health can impact physical health. Little is known about the mental health content in the South African physiotherapy undergraduate programme.Objectives: Our study explored the mental health content in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme at eight universities and the perceptions of academic staff at an identified training institution in South Africa and stakeholders about the relevance of mental health in the undergraduate physiotherapy programmeMethod: Our study employed a concurrent-mixed method design, which consisted of: (1) the administration of a survey to academic leaders or lecturers undertaking mental health teaching at universities and (2) an online interview that included stakeholders and a focus group to gauge perceptions of academic staff at an identified institution in South Africa.Results: Seven of eight universities participated in our study. All the universities had a psychology module and agreed that it is crucial to have mental health content in the curriculum. There is diversity in the mental health content between the universities.Conclusion: There is a need for consistency in the mental health content at all universities to ensure that all students receive the same skill set to have an impact on the quality of care.Clinical implications: There is a need to include mental health content at universities offering theoretical and practical undergraduate programmes.

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Physiotherapy students’ knowledge and attitudes about their role in mental health

Cited by 2 publications

References 18 publications

Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study

Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study

Mental health content in the physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum in South Africa

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