Therapy In Primary Health Care Research Articles

Contribuições da fisioterapia para a Atenção Primária à Saúde a partir da residência multiprofissional

Abstract Introduction Multiprofessional residency in health (MHS) is a professional training program focussed on Brazil’s Unified Health System that aims to reorient techno-assistance logics and significantly contributes to the insertion and consolidation of physical therapy into primary health care (PHC). Objective To understand the perceptions of health professionals and managers about the contributions of the MRH to the insertion of physical therapy into PHC. Methods This qualitative study was based on hermeneutics and was conducted in the municipality of Aracati, Ceará, Brazil, with 15 professionals making up a convenience sample. Eligible were PHC professionals with higher education working in urban areas. The data were collected from March to June 2023 through semistructured interviews with the researchers. The data analysis was based on reading the material, organizing it into themes, and interpreting these in depth. Results The first contact with physical therapy occurs in scenarios that range from individual and shared consultations to health programs at school, whose actions are optimized by PHC from the MHS. There are numerous physical therapy care strategies, especially actions focussed on biopsychosocial aspects. The involvement of physical therapists in health promotion is revealed by the inclusion of professionals in health promotion groups. Health education from a multiprofessional perspective enhances care through promotion and prevention. Conclusion The MHS strengthens the need for physical therapy in PHC and enhances primary care.

INTEGRATING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS INTO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTION SURVEY

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of physiotherapists regarding their integration and identify the facilitators and challenges they encountered in primary health care. Understanding the perceived barriers, facilitators, and management strategies for successful integration is crucial in developing an informed framework to support future integration initiatives. Method: The study included eligible participants who were practicing physiotherapists, regardless of gender. Inclusion criteria required active engagement in the profession and possession of a Bachelors degree in physiotherapy. On the other hand, unemployed physiotherapists, individuals above 60 years of age, non-practicing physiotherapists, and those with degrees in technical studies were excluded from the study. Data was collected using a cross-sectional observational design through an Internet-based survey. The survey was conducted using the secure and anonymous Survey Monkey platform, ensuring participant confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. The survey specifically targeted registered physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia, allowing for the collection of valuable data from this specific population. Results: Upon analyzing the survey data, a total of 39 responses were received. The demographic breakdown of the respondents revealed that 46% of the completed questionnaires were filled out by therapists working in the Eastern province. The survey also shed light on the work experience of the participants, with a significant portion (43%) having practiced as therapists for 6-10 years. Regarding their professional environment, 73% of participants strongly agreed on the importance of teamwork, while 68% acknowledged the role of effective communication in their work. Furthermore, a substantial 70% strongly agreed that there is a lack of efficient space for physical therapy within primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Resources were also identified as a challenge, with 65% of respondents indicating a shortage of necessary equipment and resources for physical therapy in PHC. Conclusions: The survey responses provide valuable insights into the challenges and barriers related to integrating physical therapy into the primary healthcare (PHC) setting. These challenges range from a lack of understanding and clear referral processes to issues with space, resources, and workload. These findings can inform strategies aimed at improving the integration and delivery of physical therapy services within PHC, address the identified challenges, and enhance the overall quality of care.

Construction and validation of an informative handbook on speech-language-hearing therapy in primary health care

RESUMO Objetivo: elaborar e validar um manual informativo sobre o papel da Fonoaudiologia na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: a elaboração do manual foi precedida de um levantamento bibliográfico para embasamento teórico. A validação foi constituída por duas etapas, tendo 10 juízes fonoaudiólogos na primeira e oito na segunda. Utilizou-se um questionário online com 14 afirmativas sobre conteúdo, linguagem, ilustrações, layout e motivação, para serem avaliadas por uma escala Likert de concordância de 5 pontos. Foi oferecido um espaço para sugestões. A análise quantitativa ocorreu a partir de duas medidas: Índice de Validade de Conteúdo e Coeficiente de Validade de Conteúdo. Valores inferiores a 80% indicaram necessidade de revisão. A análise qualitativa foi feita a partir dos comentários dos juízes. Resultados: na primeira etapa, apesar da obtenção de índices satisfatórios, a análise qualitativa revelou aspectos a serem melhorados. O manual foi modificado quanto às categorias ‘conteúdo’ e ‘linguagem’ e encaminhado para nova apreciação dos juízes. Na segunda etapa, a análise quantitativa revelou aumento dos índices de concordância para a maioria dos itens investigados. Conclusão: foram alcançados altos índices de aprovação nas etapas de validação, o que indica que o manual pode ser utilizado como norteador para a prática fonoaudiológica na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Construção e validação de manual informativo sobre a atuação fonoaudiológica na atenção primária à saúde

ABSTRACT Purpose: to develop and validate an informative handbook on the role of speech-language-hearing therapy in primary health care. Methods: handbook development was preceded by a bibliographical survey for the theoretical framework. Validation consisted of two stages, with respectively 10 and eight speech-language-hearing judges in the first and second ones. An online questionnaire with 14 statements on content, language, illustrations, layout, and motivation assessed the material, scoring it with a 5-point Likert scale of agreement. It also had room for suggestions. The quantitative analysis was performed with two measures: Content Validity Index and Content Validity Coefficient. Values below 80% indicated the need for revision. The qualitative analysis was based on the judges' comments. Results: in the first stage, despite obtaining satisfactory indices, the qualitative analysis revealed aspects to be improved. The handbook’s “Content” and “Language” were adjusted, and it was resent to the judges for further review. In the second stage, the quantitative analysis revealed increased agreement rates for most of the investigated items. Conclusion: the validation stages had high approval rates, indicating that the handbook may be used as a guide for speech-language-hearing practice in primary health care.

The Child’s Handbook and occupational therapy in Primary Health Care

RESUMO A Caderneta da Criança (CC) é um instrumento essencial para a vigilância do desenvolvimento infantil, temática presente nos currículos dos Cursos de Terapia Ocupacional (TO), profissão que tem na infância uma importante área de atuação. Porém, poucos estudos descrevem ações da profissão na atenção primária à saúde da criança. Esta pesquisa objetivou descrever e analisar as ações e as atividades de estudantes de TO participantes do Projeto Multicampi Saúde da Criança à clientela de mães e crianças, pautadas na CC no contexto da atenção básica. É quantitativa, descritiva e retrospectiva, com dados extraídos de 37 diários de campo. As ações mais encontradas foram consultas de vigilância do desenvolvimento (27,4%), orientação (23,6%), educação em saúde e visita domiciliar (12,3% cada). Mapeamento dos serviços, Programa Saúde na Escola, grupos terapêuticos, apoio matricial e reuniões de equipe aparecem com menor expressividade. Os dados corroboram pesquisas que descrevem ações desenvolvidas por terapeutas ocupacionais da atenção básica e indicam que a CC proporcionou uma gama importante de ações nesse contexto. Observa-se ainda a importância do terapeuta ocupacional na equipe multiprofissional de atenção à saúde da criança e a relevância do Projeto Multicampi Saúde da Criança no percurso formativo do discente.

Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care for Underserved Populations: A Scoping Review

The aim of this scoping review was to identify what current and potential opportunities exist for occupational therapy in primary healthcare for underserved populations. Search phrases were utilized across several databases and Occupational Therapy specific journals were hand searched. Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria: English, 2009–2021, services delivered by occupational therapy practitioners or supervised students, for underserved populations/individuals, in community-based care, and primary health care settings. Five synergistic themes emerged from the literature are discussed: Client-centered, team collaboration, holistic and preventative health and wellness, evidence-based program evaluation, and innovative service delivery.

Evaluation of antimicrobial use in the basic health units of Ponte Nova / MG

Antimicrobials are prescribed drugs in large quantity in Primary Care. The use of these has been highlighted in the policies to rationalize the use of medicines, for being more consumed and because these are drugs most wrongly and abusively used. The study das as an objective to evaluate the process of antibacterial therapy in primary health care of Ponte Nova/MG, identifying the classes of most used antimicrobials, the main bacterial infections, comparing them to the indications to antibacterial therapy protocols. Field research was carried out in the Basic Health Units and in the Pharmacy of Minas, based on interviews guided by a survey, structured in a database with all the information collected through the program Epiinfo 7.2.1.0. Amoxicillin was the antimicrobial that appeared the most in the prescriptions, followed by cephalexin, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. Among the most identified infections are the urinary tract and upper respiratory tract. Brazil and the European countries presented the same antimicrobial consumption pattern. The study illustrated the major problem currently presented, the considered increased risk of bacterial resistance, as it confirmed the abusive use of antimicrobials to treat infections.

The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundPatients frequently use treatments complementary to standard primary care. This prospective cohort-study examined the use, benefits, and safety of Craniosacral Therapy (CST). MethodsConsecutive out-patients utilizing CST from 2015 to 2019 were asked to provide anonymized data on symptom intensity, functional disability, and quality of life before and after treatment using an adapted 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) version of the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP). Treatment expectations were assessed as were concurrent therapies/medication and safety. Mean differences were analyzed using paired sample t-tests with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), predictors of treatment response using linear regression modelling. ResultsCST therapists submitted 220 patient records (71.4 % female) including 15.5 % infants and toddlers, 7.7 % children, and 76.8 % adolescents and adults. Patients received on average 7.0 ± 7.3 CST sessions to treat 114 different, acute and chronic conditions. Symptom intensity significantly decreased by -4.38 NRS (95 %CI=-4.69/-4.07), disability by -4.41 NRS (95 %CI=-4.78/-4.05), and quality of life improved by 2.94 NRS (95 %CI = 2.62/3.27). Furthermore, CST enhanced personal resources by 3.10 NRS (95 %CI = 1.99/4.21). Independent positive predictors of change in the adapted total MYMOP score included patients’ expectations (p = .001) and therapists’ CST experience (p = .013), negative predictors were symptom duration (p < .002) and patient age (p = .021); a final categorical predictor was CST type (p = .023). Minor but no serious adverse events occurred. ConclusionsIn primary care, patients and parents of underage children use CST for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Considering the design limitations, CST appears to be overall effective and safe in infants, children, and adults.

Treatment of diabetic feet with ozone therapy in primary health care

Introduction: The ozone therapy is a therapeutic practice by ozone administration for the purpose of mainly assisting in disinfection and healing of extensive wounds through increased tissue oxygenation. It is possible to observe ulceration in the feet because of diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease affecting more than 120 million people worldwide. Therefore, the application of ozone therapy as an integrative practice in primary health care is valid, since that practice is presented as a supporting in the treatment of these injures, as well as its low cost. Objectives: The study aims the treatment of diabetic foot injuries through the ozone therapy, as well as its cost-benefit, focusing on the primary health care application at Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), in order to provide a less invasive, humanized and easily accessible treatment to diabetics patients, increasing their life quality.Methodology: A bibliographical research was conducted with general concepts about ozone therapy and diabetes, by databases of free access available online, through the following keywords: ozone therapy, diabetes, ulcer, healing, integrative medicine, primary health care, diabetic foot, complementary therapies. Relevant scientific articles developed between 2010 and 2020 were selected. Results: Diabetic patients present a greater chance of developing ulcer because of ceaselessly oxidative stress over cells. Ozone therapy provides promising prognosis being ozone activate the cellular metabolism inducing antioxidant enzymes synthesis which suppress the oxidative stress by increasing the oxygen supply to affected tissues, that provides its bactericidal and fungicidal behavior. Besides, it stimulates neovascularization and tissue proliferation, consequently, occurs an inflammation and pain decrease. Finally, ozone therapy promotes cost in 20% to 80% decline comparing to procedures generally administered. Discussion and Conclusion of the Results: Ozone therapy speed up wound healing in patients with diabetic ulcers and admit a better life quality for them as well as avoiding amputations, which enable its inclusions as a medical procedure in this case. Those benefits justify why ozone therapy is recommended by health policies planning to SUS, because it is a technique easily applied at primary health care. In addition, it is supported by the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices which facilitate its implementation at care and prevention actions developed by the Family Health Strategy, since it is the mean of treatment for diabetic patients in a longitudinal and continual form. Primary Health Care requires practicality, efficacy and good cost-benefit, and ozone therapy is a viable alternative for the treatment of diabetic foot.

Professional education in curricular internships of occupational therapists in Primary Health Care

Abstract This study regards the experience of implementing a professional internship intended to students of Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care in a Federal University located in São Paulo State, Brazil. Occupational therapist profession in Brazil was inserted in this level of care to offer specialised support to teams, mainly concerning qualification of care to vulnerable and invisible populations (community, family and cultural aspects), health promotion, encouragement of team work, humanisation in health. Such curricular internship occurs since 2017 to students of the 4th and 5th years of undergraduate course, completing 240 hours. How is the practice programme in Primary Health Care organised in the pedagogic project? Which are the strengths and fragilities of this field, as far as education is concerned? Among the practice scenarios, there are Basic Health Unit, Family Health Strategy teams, Family Health Support Centre, Street Clinic and University Basic Health Unit, with tutors who establish the collaboration. The interns follow individual and group cases, take part in team meetings and actions for team qualification and are also supervised weekly by a professor. Among their strengths, we can list a diversified education, based on the most recent public policies for the level of care that represents the stepping stone to the health system. As well as the access to the occupational therapy professional in this first contact, if the team identifies such necessity. Regarding challenges, there is unawareness about professional practice, difficulty to access work instruments and resources, as well as physical space. We hope this experience can help other educational institutions to implement their practice programmes in and for the health system. Egresses report that enables learning to work in a team in different scenarios. Such strategy aims to form a generalist professional, with criticality regarding challenges and potentialities of Brazilian public health. Key messages This study reports the experience of a professional internship of Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care, understanding the health system as a scenario for practice, teaching and learning. Educating occupational therapists to this level of care is necessary, in agreement with the attributes of Primary Care.

Access to speech-language pathology therapy and continuity of assistance in Primary Health Care for victims of motorcycle accidents.

To verify the access to speech-language pathology (SLP) therapy and continuity of assistance in Primary Health Care (PHC) for victims of motorcycle accidents. A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted at a large hospital in the city of Recife, Pernanbuco state, Brazil. Among the 99 victims recruited between June and July 2014, 30 had SLP complaints as a result of the accidents. After hospital discharge, all victims were contacted for investigation of the SLP rehabilitation process. Absolute and relative frequencies were used for the analysis in PHC, and data were displayed in tables for the therapy cases. Among the 30 individuals who reported having alterations of the stomatognathic system, eight were undergoing rehabilitation and 18 reported residing in an area covered by the Family Health Strategy (primary care modality). Seeking and obtaining continuity of treatment (medication and bandaging) in primary care were frequent; in contrast, home visits were less frequent. The main obstacles to access SLP therapy were distance to the service and waiting time to begin treatment. This study identified obstacles that hamper access to SLP therapy in PHC, such as the low frequency of home visits, contributing to the fragmentation of continuous and complete care for victims.

Fitoterápicos na atenção primária à saúde: desafios e perspectivas na atuação médica no SUS

No Brasil existem duas políticas nacionais que incentivam a utilização de Fitoterápicos como terapia alternativa na atenção básica de saúde (ABS): Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos (PNPMF) e a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC), que fornecem as diretrizes da Fitoterapia nos Serviços de Saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) através das plantas medicinais de interesse ao SUS (RENISUS). O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica de artigos e documentos expostos durante as aulas de Fitoterapia no curso de Medicina do Norte do Brasil. A formação em saúde, de modo geral, ainda precisa avançar no sentido de preparar profissionais no atendimento aos pressupostos do SUS e seus programas de saúde instituídos, a exemplo da PNPMF e da PNPIC, oferecendo-lhes suporte para que sejam coerentemente inseridos na prática profissional e no dia a dia dos serviços, com comprometimento e responsabilidade.

Assessing Adherence to Antihypertensive Therapy in Primary Health Care in Namibia: Findings and Implications

IntroductionNamibia has the highest burden and incidence of hypertension in sub-Sahara Africa. Though non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy is an important cardiovascular risk factor, little is known about potential ways to improve adherence in Namibia following universal access. The objective of this study is to validate the Hill-Bone compliance scale and determine the level and predictors of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in primary health care settings in sub-urban townships of Windhoek, Namibia.MethodsReliability was determined by Cronbach’s alpha. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess construct validity.ResultsThe PCA was consistent with the three constructs for 12 items, explaining 24.1, 16.7 and 10.8% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.695. None of the 120 patients had perfect adherence to antihypertensive therapy, and less than half had acceptable levels of adherence (≥ 80%). The mean adherence level was 76.7 ± 8.1%. Three quarters of patients ever missed their scheduled clinic appointment. Having a family support system (OR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.687–27.6, p = 0.045) and attendance of follow-up visits (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–8.7, p = 0.03) were significant predictors of adherence. Having HIV/AIDs did not lower adherence.ConclusionsThe modified Namibian version of the Hill-Bone scale is reliable and valid for assessing adherence to antihypertensives in Namibia. There is sub-optimal adherence to antihypertensive therapy among primary health cares in Namibia. This needs standardized systems to strengthen adherence monitoring as well as investigation of other factors including transport to take full advantage of universal access.

Role of IL-8, CRP and epidermal growth factor in depression and anxiety patients treated with mindfulness-based therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy in primary health care

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inflammatory markers have been associated with various neuro-psychiatric disorders. However, their role in mild to moderate depression and anxiety patients treated with mindfulness-based group therapy (mindfulness) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is not known. In this study we analyzed plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and EGF before (baseline) and after treatment (8 weeks) and investigated their role in response to both arms of the treatment. To cover variety of mental symptoms, treatment response was analyzed by four scales, the Montgomery–Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS), Hospital anxiety and depression scale- Depression (HADS-D) and anxiety (HADS-A) and patients health questionnaire-9.EGF levels were significantly decreased after both mindfulness and CBT and were associated with treatment response on all scales independent of the use of tranquilizers and antidepressant treatment. Moreover, baseline EGF levels were significantly associated only with baseline scores of anxiety scale. Levels of inflammatory markers analyzed in this study, were not significantly associated with treatment response on any scale. Our findings suggest that improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety after both mindfulness and CBT is associated with changes in EGF levels but not with the inflammatory markers.

Community stakeholders' perspectives on the role of occupational therapy in primary healthcare: Implications for practice.

BackgroundPrimary healthcare (PHC) is central to increased access and transformation in South African healthcare. There is limited literature about services required by occupational therapists in PHC. Despite policy being in place, the implementation of services at grassroots level does not always occur adequately.ObjectivesThis study aimed at gaining an understanding of the challenges of being disabled and the services required by occupational therapists (OTs) in rural communities in order to better inform the occupational therapy (OT) training curriculum.MethodAn exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was implemented using purposive sampling to recruit 23 community healthcare workers from the uGu district. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 37 members of the uGu community, which included people with disability (PWD) and caregivers of PWDs. Audio-recorded focus groups and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were thematically analysed. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical and Research Ethics Committee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (BE248/14).ResultsTwo main themes emerged namely: firstly, the challenges faced by the disabled community and secondly appropriate opportunities for intervention in PHC. A snapshot of the social and physical inaccessibility challenges experienced by the community was created. Challenges included physical and sexual abuse, discrimination and marginalisation. Community-based rehabilitation and ideas for health promotion and prevention were identified as possible strategies for OT intervention.ConclusionThe understanding of the intervention required by OT in PHC was enhanced through obtaining the views of various stakeholders’ on the role. This study highlighted the gaps in community-based services that OTs should offer in this context.

A fisioterapia na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão integrativa

Objective: To analyze physical therapy activities carried out in primary health care. Method: Integrative literature review carried out in SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE databases using the descriptors physiotherapy, physical therapy and primary health care in May and June 2015. We searched for articles on the physical therapist’s work in primary care fully available in English, Portuguese or Spanish regardless of the year of publication. The articles were selected and analyzed based on the following variables: activities developed, main results and the difficulties faced. Results: Seven articles were analyzed. Activities focused on individual and collective care, both at the preventive and rehabilitation levels, of different populations and showed satisfactory results with a positive impact on health and reduced individual and collective costs. However, they face challenges such as the insufficient number of professionals, lack of resources and infrastructure, teamwork problems, and the need for changes in vocational training. Conclusion: The activities, despite being incipient and facing obstacles, present good results. This finding demonstrates the importance of physical therapy in primary health care and contributes to the dissemination and effective performance of the professional at this level of care.

An Integration of Varnish Fluoride Therapy in Primary Health Care and the Role of Primary Health Care Practitioners in the Control of Early Childhood Caries: A Pilot Study

Purpose : To assess the effect of varnish fluoride therapy accompanying routine oral health care in order to reduce primary tooth caries and early childhood caries. Methods : The current experimental study was conducted on 130 younger-than-two-year-old children. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (experimental group, n=65, and control group, n=65). At first, primary health practitioners were trained and qualified for varnish fluoride therapy. After getting written signed parental consent, varnish fluoride therapy was started as soon as the primary teeth emerged from gingival tissue in experimental group and conducted with regular primary dental caries prevention care once every three months. The control group just received regular primary dental caries prevention care. After two years, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was measured based on WHO questionnaire by two examiners in both groups. Data analysis was done by SPSS Statistical software Package. Results : Varnish fluoride therapy resulted in lower DMFT index in experimental group than in control group. Anterior primary tooth caries (central and lateral incisors) was reduced more in experimental group than in control group. Also, caries reduction for central anterior tooth in experimental group was greater than that of control group but the difference was not statically significant. Conclusions : Under the conditions of the present study, the integration of varnish fluoride therapy into health system and its delivery by primary healthcare practitioners can result in lower DMFT index as well as improved target-population coverage.

Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA). Position Statement on Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care (PHC)

Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA). Position Statement on Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care (PHC)

Role of complementary therapies in the understanding of primary healthcare professionals: a systematic review.

Objective To identify the understanding of the healthcare professionals in relation to the role of complementary therapies in primary health care. Method Systematic review by way of the following information sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PeriEnf, AMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Psicoinfo and Psicodoc, using the keyword Primary Health Care alone, and associated with the following keywords: Medicinal Plants, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Anthroposophical Medicine. Results Twenty-two studies from 1986 to 2011 were included. We identified three styles of practice: conventional medicine, complementary therapies and integrative medicine. Positioning professional practices within these three styles may facilitate discussion of concepts of health care, enhancing the health care provided as a result. Conclusion The work process in primary care presents difficulties for conducting integrative and holistic health care, but this practice has been introduced over time by professionals who integrate conventional medicine and complementary therapies, concerned with the care and well-being of patients.

Referral to Massage Therapy in Primary Health Care: A Survey of Medical General Practitioners in Rural and Regional New South Wales, Australia

ObjectivesMassage therapists are an important part of the health care setting in rural and regional Australia and are the largest complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) profession based on both practitioner numbers and use. The purpose of this study was to survey medical general practitioners (GPs) in rural and regional New South Wales, Australia, to identify their knowledge, attitudes, relationships, and patterns of referral to massage therapy in primary health care. MethodsA 27-item questionnaire was sent to all 1486 GPs currently practicing in rural and regional Divisions of General Practice in New South Wales, Australia. The survey had 5 general areas: the GP's personal use and knowledge of massage, the GP's professional relationships with massage practice and massage practitioners, the GP's specific opinions on massage, the GP's information-seeking behavior in relation to massage, and the GP's assumptions on massage use by patients in their local areas. ResultsA total of 585 questionnaires were returned completed, with 49 survey questionnaires returned as “no longer at this address” (response rate of 40.7%). More than three-quarters of GPs (76.6%) referred to massage therapy at least a few times per year, with 12.5% of GPs referring at least once per week. The GP being in a nonremote location (odds ratio [OR], 14.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-50.0), graduating from an Australian medical school (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.09-3.70), perceiving a lack of other treatment options (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.15-6.01), perceiving good patient access to a wide variety of medical specialists (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 1.7-50.0), believing in the efficacy of massage therapy (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.58-4.78), experiencing positive results from patients using massage therapy previously (OR, 13.95; 95% CI, 5.96-32.64), or having prescribed any CAM previously (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27) were all independently predictive of increased referral to massage therapy among the GPs in this study. ConclusionsThere appears to be substantial interface between massage therapy and GPs in rural and regional Australia. There are high levels of support for massage therapies among Australian GPs, relative to other CAM professions, with low levels of opposition to the incorporation of these therapies in patient care.