INTEGRATION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY IN BARANGAY HEALTH CENTERS: QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE NEED FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES IN PRIMARY CARE SYSTEM

M.A. Zamora¹, R. Alejo², I.P. Rico², L.I. Esquillona², M. Corocoto², J.A. Lazaro², M. Raymundo², M.K. Salta², M. Pablo^3,3, H. Labao³

¹Our Lady of Fatima University, College of Physical Therapy, Quezon City, Philippines, ²Our Lady of Fatima University, College of Physical Therapy, Valenzuela, Philippines, ³Our Lady of Fatima University, College of Physical Therapy, Valenzuela City, Philippines

Background: The number of persons with disabilities is projected to increase as the number of people experiencing the residual effect brought by COVID-19 and the prevalence of various non communicable diseases is observed around the world. Thus, immediate access for rehabilitation services is in demand to address this emerging need especially in the community.

Purpose: This study deems to recognize the importance of Physical Therapy in a smaller unit such as the Barangay as part of Primary Health Care for the possible benefits in investing in therapy and rehabilitation in the Philippines.

Methods: This study is a phenomenological design. A thirty-minute, semi-structured interview was conducted using a different video conferencing platform among barangay health workers (BHW) in various municipalities in Bulacan. Data was analyzed using the Colaizzi technique. The themes were based on the role of physical therapy in community-based rehabilitation.

Results: A total of 12 informants consented and completed the interview. There were three emerging themes in the study. First is the role of Physical Therapy in Health Promotion in the community. Second is the need of Physiotherapy services in Barangay Health Centers. Last, the Lack of Direct Physical Therapy Access in the locality.

Conclusions: There is an identified need for Physical Therapy in the Barangay Health Level. The lack of Physiotherapy deeply affected the quality of life of the people in the locale negatively. Its negative impact is greatly seen in the increasing number of persons with disabilities in the Philippines.

Implications: The Philippine government should consider creating job opportunities for physical therapists at the barangay health unit in order to increase access of persons with disabilities to rehabilitation and care.

Funding acknowledgements: None

Keywords:
Primary Health Care
Physical Therapist
Baranggay

Topics:
Community based rehabilitation
Professional issues: diversity and inclusion
Globalisation: health systems, policies & strategies

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Our Lady of Fatima University

Committee: Institutional Ethics Review Committee

Ethics number: 2022-IERC1-20011V2