PERCEPTION AND EXPOSURE OF POSTGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TOWARDS RESEARCH

M. Balaganapathy¹, B. Amee Parekh¹

¹Charotar University of Science & Technology, Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy, Anand, India

Background: Research is important in every field including physiotherapy. It is important for evidence-based practice and to validate available treatment options. Research, in general, is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of research methodology, writing skills, proper guidance, enough analytical skills, infrastructure, and institutional support. In physiotherapy, during post-graduation, there are academic as well as clinical responsibilities. So, researchers might have some difficulties. Which can be identified based on the experience of previous researchers.

Purpose: To know the perception and exposure of research among postgraduate physiotherapists. To identify the challenges faced by postgraduate physiotherapists towards research.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, physiotherapists who had completed their post-graduation within the last 5 years were included. 121 physiotherapists have completed the survey. Postgraduate research experience questionnaire (PREQ) was used in the study. This is having 28 components regarding research experience. PREQ is a validated and reliable tool. Responders' details were taken and participants were asked to select the appropriate option in PREQ based on their research experience in post graduation. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 23 version.

Results: Overall, 68.6% of participants are having good perception and 31.4% of participants are having poor to average perception towards research ix exposure and experience. Skill development (p= 0.002) and thesis examination process (0.044) is significantly associated with the overall quality and research satisfaction.

Conclusions: This survey concludes that the majority of the participants are having a good perception regarding research experience in their postgraduation. Acquisition of skills for conducting research found to be a facilitator. For some participants, intellectual climate and infrastructure found to be a barrier.

Implications: This study would help identify the challenges faced by postgraduate physiotherapists during their research work.

Funding acknowledgements: Nil

Keywords:
Postgraduate physiotherapist
Research, Perception
Exposure, Experience

Topics:
Education: methods of teaching & learning
Professional issues
Research methodology, knowledge translation & implementation science

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy

Committee: ARIP-IEC

Ethics number: ARIP/IEC/17/52