Physiotherapists and drug administration: A survey of practices in New South Wales

Abstract

A self-administered, 61-item questionnaire, which inquired about the administration of prescription medications by physiotherapists, was mailed to a random sample of 25 per cent of clinical physiotherapists registered in NSW (n = 660). About one quarter of respondents, who were more likely to be private practitioners, administered prescription medications to their clients, 40 per cent of which occurred on a daily or weekly basis. The majority had approval from a physician and administration of prescription medications were given as an integral part of the treatment regime. More than 50 per cent of those physiotherapists who did administer prescription medications had no formal training in this practice except the little they had received in their undergraduate course.