Views on preparedness of physical therapy practice under direct access: a pilot descriptive study. [author]: Derla, John Vincent C., Dipasupil, Angela C., Lewis, Alyssa Danielle M., Magpantay, Mervin Mark C. Tinoko, Marie Lily Doviden, Tomas, Maxine Dominique D., Villamor, Amiel S.
- Quezon City, Philippines: FEU-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Institute of Medicine, 2022
- 119pages / 28cm
Includes Appendix.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Studies have been conducted about direct access’ role for the physical therapy profession to move forward. Locally, patients still need referral from physicians to receive rehabilitation. Furthermore, local studies on the physical therapists’ preparedness to practice direct access are limited. The objective of this study is to assess the views of physical therapy graduates on the preparedness of physical therapy practice under direct access in the Philippines. METHOD: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive study design. A four-page questionnaire was adapted from an American thesis was done in 1994 entitled "Physical Therapy Students Views of Preparation to Practice under Direct Access"', however, the researchers have modified this in the Philippine context. The participants were physical therapy graduates of Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation batches 2015 to 2020. RESULTS: One hundred seven respondents participated in this study. Among the respondents. 56% were female while 44% were male; batch 2019 had the largest representation (n=24). Very positive attitude was noted in PT practice; positive attitude was noted on PT academic preparation, PT’s role in patient rehabilitation, role in direct access practice, and patients’ perception to PT; while, neutral on possible barriers on direct access practice. CONCLUSION: Results of the study show that physical therapy academic preparation is adequate. There is also positive response for the possible amendment of the physical therapy law in the Philippines that would allow physical therapy direct access practice but with barriers in the transition, implementation, and patients’ view on the profession.