The physical therapy profile questionnaire (PTPQ): development, validation and pilot testing

Janine Margarita R Dizon,Saravana Kumar,Karen Grimmer-Somers

doi:10.1186/1756-0500-4-362

Janine Margarita R Dizon, Saravana Kumar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-4-362

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Abstract

BackgroundCountry by country similarities and differences in physical therapy practice exists. Therefore, before updates in practice can be provided, such as trainings in evidence-based practice, it is necessary to identify the profile and nature of practice in a given country or setting. Following a search of the international literature, no appropriate tool was identified to collect and establish data to create the profile of physical therapy practice in the Philippines. We therefore developed, validated and pilot tested a survey instrument which would comprehensively describe the practice of physical therapy in the PhilippinesFindingsWe used a mixed methods design to answer our study aims. A focus group interview was conducted among a group of physical therapists to establish the content and contexts of items to be included in the survey instrument. Findings were amalgamated with the information from the literature on developing survey instruments/questionnaires. A survey instrument was drafted and named as the Physical Therapy Profile Questionnaire (PTPQ). The PTPQ was then validated and pilot tested to a different group of physical therapists.The final version consisted of five separate parts namely (A) General information and demographics, (B) Practice Profile, (C) Treatment Preferences, (D) Bases for clinical work and (E) Bases for educational/research work. At present the PTPQ is relevant to the Philippines and could be used by any country which has a similar nature of practice with the Philippines.ConclusionThe Physical Therapy Practice Questionnaire (PTPQ) was shown to have good face and content validity among the Filipino physical therapists and their context of practice. It has also been found to be useful, easy to administer tool and in a format appealing to respondents. The PTPQ is expected to assist comprehensive data collection to create a profile of physical therapy practice in the Philippines.

Highlights

Country by country similarities and differences in physical therapy practice exists
The Physical Therapy Practice Questionnaire (PTPQ) is expected to assist comprehensive data collection to create a profile of physical therapy practice in the Philippines
Following a search of the international literature using keywords to search databases, we identified no appropriate survey instrument with which to establish a profile of physical therapy practice in the Philippines

Summary

Introduction

Country by country similarities and differences in physical therapy practice exists. before updates in practice can be provided, such as trainings in evidence-based practice, it is necessary to identify the profile and nature of practice in a given country or setting. Physiotherapy or Physical therapy (used interchangeably) is a key allied health profession practiced around the world It is defined by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy as a profession that “provides services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, disease or environmental factors. There are country-by-country differences in the way physical therapy is practiced, both in terms of what treatments are provided, and how patients gain access to physical therapy services. This referral usually contains a prescription for treatment which the physical therapist may be bound to follow

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