Assessment of work-related fatigue in Polish physiotherapists and of its effect on their diagnostic accuracy and physiotherapy planning

Abstract

Introduction. A physiotherapist’s work requires constant focus, concentration and good physical constitution. Nowadays, we can observe an increasing demand for physiotherapist services, as the number of patients and working hours are increasing. As a result, physiotherapists experience growing work-related load and fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess the degree and characteristics of fatigue in physiotherapists, as well as to assess its effect on the accuracy of their functional diagnosis and the therapeutic treatment they propose. Methods. The study population consisted of 18 physiotherapists. To assess subjective fatigue, we used the Japanese questionnaire, and to assess the number of mistakes made, we used two films made by our group that presented a functional examination of patients. Results. The analysis of fatigue in physiotherapists after a day’s work showed a significant decrease in activity, decrease in motivation and increase in physical fatigue. The number of mistakes made after a day’s work increased. Conclusions. The study showed that the work of physiotherapists negatively affects the levels of activity, motivation and physical strength. Diagnostic accuracy and physiotherapy planning was worse after a day’s work. The occupation of a physiotherapists was categorized as psychologically burdening.