Dancers' Perceptions of Accessibility and Quality of the Relationship with Healthcare Professionals in Quebec.

Abstract

To understand dancers' perception of accessibility to care and quality of the relationship with healthcare practitioners in Quebec; to identify the key elements of an optimal dancer-physician relationship; and to propose recommendations for improvement. An online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice, "yes/no," and short answer questions was sent to professional dance organizations, companies, agencies, and schools in Quebec, Canada. Information regarding the dance artists' sociodemographics, dance background, dance-related injuries, and access to a primary care physician were collected. Experiences and expectations regarding the dancer-physician relationship were surveyed. One-way ANOVA analyses and Pearson correlations were performed to assess differences of perception between dancers' demographic characteristics and associations between the variables. Out of 161 participants, 144 met inclusion criteria, consisting of largely French-speaking females, North American or European decent, self-employed contemporary dancers with an average age of 33.13 ± 10.81 yrs. Dance artists sought medical care from osteopaths (47.9%) and physiotherapists (36.1%) more frequently than from physicians (8.3%). Fully employed dancers had more favorable perceptions of the dancer-physician relationship compared to self-employed dancers and those who had mixed streams of income. The perception of most participants was that physicians do not comprehend the unique dance-associated impacts on health (81.8%). The most important aspect affecting perception of the relationship with the physician was diagnostic acumen (41.3%). Most participants (79.0%) selected "works with other health professionals [...] and gives expert advice" as an important expectation from physicians. This research is the first investigation of the dancer-physician relationship in Quebec. It reveals a desire amongst the dance artist community to improve the dancer-physician relationship and the overall quality of their unique healthcare requirements.