Actitud de los fisioterapeutas acerca del acceso directo y su implementación a través de un cambio en la política pública en Puerto Rico

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore the attitudes of physiotherapists in Puerto Rico: (1) towards direct access (DA), (2) the implications for the profession, practice, and health services, and (3) the implementation of DA through a change in public policy. MethodsThe design was cross-sectional exploratory, non-experimental, and quantitative in nature. Participants were licensed physiotherapists, over 21 years old, with any academic degree in physiotherapy, currently practicing in Puerto Rico. Physiotherapists without clinical experience, those completing a transitional doctoral degree, or with experience practicing with DA were excluded. To address the research objectives, a questionnaire was constructed, whose content was validated by 4 expert physiotherapists using the Lawshe model modified by Tristán. ResultsOne hundred physiotherapists participated in this study. 96% of participants agreed with the implementation of DA in Puerto Rico. However, only 83% indicated being prepared to practice the profession through DA. 55% understood that physiotherapists with doctoral degrees were better prepared to practice through DA. 59% indicated that DA should be restricted based on educational level and/or experience. ConclusionThe attitude of physiotherapists in Puerto Rico towards DA was favorable regardless of academic degree. They are in favor of incorporating DA into physiotherapy, feel prepared to practice through DA, and consider it beneficial for patients, practice, and the profession.