Given the lack of studies investigating physiotherapists’ knowledge of their role in dealing with patients with mental illness, this study aims to determine the self-reported knowledge of physiotherapists regarding this role. It is hypothesized that physical therapists have poor knowledge and negative attitudes regarding treating patients with mental disorders.
This study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective observational survey design. The Local Committee of Scientific Research Ethics at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University granted ethical approval for this study (IRB: HAP-01-R-059). A convenient sampling method was used to recruit practicing physical therapists from different regions of Saudi Arabia.
208 physiotherapists completed the survey. Of these, 61% were female with a mean age and a standard deviation of 31.5 ±7.32 years. The majority of the participants, (50%) had poor knowledge, (48%) had a positive attitude score, with (40%) having a neutral attitude and (12%) having a negative attitude toward treating patients with mental health issues. Most respondents (86%) reported that they need more information regarding patients with mental health disorders and physiotherapists’ management of their physical health issues.
There is a lack of knowledge and a positive attitude toward treating patients with mental disorders, which highlights the need for more training to fill the gap in knowledge and guide and build upon the positive attitude of physiotherapists toward treating patients with mental disorders. Further research is needed to identify the specific areas where physiotherapists require more education and training and to develop effective training programs that can improve their knowledge and skills in managing the physical health problems of patients with mental illness.
The findings of this study emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to have adequate education and training to manage the physical health problems of patients with mental illness. The study encourages academia to incorporate more courses and training related to mental illness and connect them to clinical practice. The courses need to address mental illnesses and the role of physiotherapists in treating them, including how to effectively manage the physical health problems of patients with mental illness.
Mental health
Psychosocial