An exploratory study into student midwives understanding of the role of the physiotherapist

Abstract

Background: It is important that health professionals have an understanding of each others' roles in order to promote patient-centred care and services available. Within obstetrics it is necessary, as key information informers, that midwives and student midwives understand the role physiotherapists can offer. Aim: To explore student midwives understanding of physiotherapy in the antenatal and postnatal setting and what role they recognise it plays within UK healthcare. Method: Adopting a qualitative exploratory approach, a focus group was conducted to explore midwifery students' experiences. Data were analysed using an adapted thematic analysis process. Results: Five key themes were identified: 1. Role recognition is needed, 2. Lack of knowledge: ‘But we don't know what a physiotherapist does’, 3. A perceived view, 4. Utilised? ‘Yes. But…’ and 5. Beneficial? Conclusion: Participants recognised the importance for role understanding, had a perceived view of physiotherapy closely related to the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health (ACPWH) role definition and described physiotherapy as beneficial. Numerous barriers prevent utilisation. Interprofessional education does not promote or aid role understanding. It is questionable whether student midwives are able to promote physiotherapy services appropriately.