Assessment of Professionalism, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Practicing Physical Therapy

Abstract

Background: The field of physiotherapy plays a crucial role within the healthcare landscape, particularly in the context of modern medical and surgical practices. Professional behavior, attitudes, and values are fundamental to the practice, influencing patient care and interprofessional collaboration. Recent studies have highlighted a need for continuous evaluation and improvement in these areas to enhance the overall quality of physiotherapy services. Objective: This study aimed to assess the current state of professionalism, attitudes, and behaviors among practicing physical therapists, identifying strengths and areas for development to inform future educational and professional development initiatives. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 physical therapists in Lahore, utilizing convenient sampling. The Professional Behavior Continuum, a self-reflective tool, was employed to evaluate professional behaviors in various clinical settings. Data were collected through questionnaires, including a consent form to ensure confidentiality. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage to quantify the extent of core professional values among participants. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 26-30 years (45%), predominantly male (70%), and had 1-5 years of work experience (65%). The study revealed positive perceptions of integrity (60% honesty, 65% personal responsibility), respect (65% confidentiality, 70% diversity), responsibility (75% punctual for learning, 60% cope with challenges), competence (80% responsibility for learning, 70% self-reflection), maturity (80% professional dress/language, 70% emotional stability), and communication (80% respectful, 70% empathy/compassion) among physical therapists. Conclusion: The findings indicate a generally positive outlook on professional behaviors, attitudes, and values among physical therapists, with notable strengths in areas such as responsibility, competence, and communication. However, the study also suggests the need for ongoing professional development and education to address areas of improvement and ensure the highest standards of patient care and professional practice.