Healthcare Professionals’ Insights on the Integration of Kinesiologists into Ontario’s Health System

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Kinesiologists are well suited to work collaboratively or independently within the health system to improve patient/client care and well-being. This cross-sectional survey explored perceptions of the integration of registered kinesiologists (RKins) into the health system in Ontario. Methods RKins (n = 202) and other health professionals (OHP; n = 337), including physicians, physiotherapists, nurse practitioners, etc., participated in an online survey. Results RKins reported working in diverse practice environments, and more than half reported receiving patients/clients through referrals. Of the OHP, 37.7% had ongoing professional interactions with RKins and 86.7% reported high satisfaction with these interactions; 32.6% of OHP reported referring patients/clients to RKins, primarily for exercise prescription (86.0%), treatment of clinical conditions (48.8%), and patient education (46.5%). Perceived barriers to referral included lack of awareness of the RKins’ scope of practice (81.0%), inadequate funding for services (67.1%), and low confidence in the clinical competency of RKins (61.8%). Conclusions RKins are experts in exercise-based interventions to prevent, treat, and manage many chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Initiatives to increase awareness of the RKins’ scope of practice, clinical competency, and standards of practice and to increase funding for RKin services are important next steps.