Benefits and barriers of physical therapy students participation in resource-poor international clinical education

Abstract

survey consisted of 10 closed and 12 open questions and was addressed to the head of departments or head of units (PT,OT, SLT). A total number of 124 surveys were sent to members of all three professions. Quantities (closed questions) were calculated, open questions were analyzed on content. Results: Overall 64 (51%) surveys were returned and could be analyzed, 26 (41%) surveys were returned by physiotherapists. Only about 53% of institutions use the ICF as a leading idea for handling patients, barriers are seen in time and money constraints and lack of information. Specification of the ICF in the mono-professional context was slightly higher in PT (50%) than in OT (42%) and SLT (47%). ICF was applied in documentation in 46% for the PT, overall numbers were a bit lower (40%). 50% of physiotherapists are positive that implementing the ICF has changed their work, mainly in the goal-setting process (6/26) and also in more interdisciplinary treatment approaches (4/26). Conclusion(s): There is a great need within the professions to learn more about the ICF and its possible implementation in everyday practice. The results indicate that applying the ICF as an overall language among different health care professions helps to foster patient centered goals in a multi-professional context and to target treatment more on activity and participation. Further research is needed to investigate possible benefits for the patient and the health system in terms of patient satisfaction, goal attainment and cost effectiveness to promote the use of ICF specifically in a multi-professional context. Implications:Heads of institutions must support and promote applying the ICF, and allow for continuous professional development possibilities and time to work with this classification.