Professional training in physiotherapy: primary care practices

Abstract

Introduction: Professional training in physiotherapy still focuses primarily on rehabilitation; however, there is a need to ensure that these professionals are also equipped to work in primary care (PC), since it is the gateway to the healthcare system. Objective: Identify practices carried out in PC by undergraduate physiotherapy courses in Santa Catarina state, Brazil, from the perspective of professors. Method: Qualitative study with a multiple-case design. All eight undergraduate physiotherapy courses available in the state were included as cases in this study. Five physiotherapy professors also took part as key informants (KIs) Data were collected by document analysis of course pedagogical projects (CPPs) and a semi-structured interview regarding training practices conducted in primary care (PC) settings. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Based on content analysis of the interviews, practices carried out in PC by the different courses include territorialization; specific group activities; home health care/home visits; postural education in school settings; interdisciplinary and multiprofessional experiences; interviews; waiting room activities; combined consultations and singular therapeutic projects. Conclusion: practices performed in primary care facilities by undergraduate physiotherapy courses in Santa Catarina state (SC), Brazil, are aimed at meeting primary care needs; however, teaching-service-community integration is essential in order to diversify these PC experiences throughout the training process and expand interdisciplinary and multiprofessional activities.