The views and experiences of physiotherapists on physiotherapy service provision for people with neurological conditions in primary care in Ireland: A qualitative study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: McDaid, M.^{a; *} | Cleary, O.A.^b | French, H.P.^a

Affiliations: [a] School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland | [b] Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Mairéad McDaid, BSc, MA, MSc (Physio), MISCP, Coolaw, Taghmon, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Tel.: +353 879602368; E-mail: info@maireadmcdaidphysio.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy is associated with positive health outcomes and is highly valued among community dwelling people with neurological conditions (pwNC). However, research highlights a deficiency in the quality of physiotherapy services for pwNC in the community setting in Ireland. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists’ views and experiences of physiotherapy service provision for pwNC in primary care with a view to providing a platform of knowledge to assist the development and provision of a high quality physiotherapy service. METHODS: A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews in four primary care sites in Ireland was chosen. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 primary care physiotherapists. Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, respondent validation was sought and thematic data analysis was conducted on each interview transcript. RESULTS: Physiotherapists identified pwNC as having distinct needs from the general primary care patient population and they reported challenges meeting these needs, resulting in poorer patient outcomes and occupational stress for the physiotherapist. Lack of organisational support from the Health Service Executive (HSE) was the main inhibiting factor and physiotherapy teamwork and line management support were cited as the main factors facilitating the provision of a quality service for people with neurological conditions in primary care. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists identified a mismatch between their ideal service standard and the practice reality of physiotherapy service provision for pwNC in primary care in Ireland.

Keywords: Physiotherapy, neurological patients, primary health care, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-170094

Journal: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 103-111, 2017