To develop a structured, contextual understanding of factors that might influence the environment within which Occupational Health Physiotherapy (OHP) practitioners work in different countries, thereby fostering international understanding between these professionals. Research Question: What are the country differences and similarities of OHP practice according to the cross-country comparison (CCC) model [described by De Rijk et al (2022)]?
Qualitative descriptive; multiple case-study based on document analysis of publicly available information. Documents were sourced to find information relevant to five factors of the CCC-model. Case countries were from four different continents: Australia, Colombia, Kenya and Spain.Qualitative descriptive; multiple case-study based on document analysis of publicly available information. Documents were sourced to find information relevant to five factors of the CCC-model. Case countries were from four different continents: Australia, Colombia, Kenya and Spain.Qualitative descriptive; multiple case-study based on document analysis of publicly available information. Documents were sourced to find information relevant to five factors of the CCC-model. Case countries were from four different continents: Australia, Colombia, Kenya and Spain.
All cases have occupational health and safety and anti-discrimination legislation with physiotherapists adopting a biopsychosocial approach in case management. In Australia and Colombia OHP practice is well established; it is developing in Kenya and Spain. Differences were found regarding: (1) Legislation concerning social support following work injury; (2) Norms and values in practice regarding workplace reintegration following injury; (3) Culture, that is, styles of communication and evaluation; (4) Organization of OHP practice regarding professionals’ credentialing; (5) Labor market characteristics, particularly size of the informal economy
The IFPOHE could advocate for better access to OHPs and better training for OHP practitioners, and include cultural awareness in their training materials. Also, in communication and training IFPOHE should acknowledge that physiotherapists in different countries have different levels of influence, because some countries are very hierarchical while others share influence with all professionals, including OHP practitioners. Th
Similarities found between countries pertain to workers in the formal economy. Support for re- integration into work and norms regarding formal workers differ across countries. The findings have implications for training material and feasible global standards for OHP professionals worldwide.
Cross-cultural comparison
Work
