Article

Successful implementation of multidisciplinary healthcare approach
may among other things depend on students' education and knowledge of the roles
of healthcare professions other than their own. This study investigated medical
students' awareness of the role of physiotherapists in multidisciplinary
healthcare teams. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight medical students of the
University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, participated in this study. Each student
completed a self-administered questionnaire that obtained information on
demographics, awareness of role of physiotherapists and educational sources of
information as well as suggestions about other sources of information about
physiotherapy. Chi-square test was used to analyze differences in awareness by
gender and year of study. RESULTS: Although rates of awareness regarding some
physiotherapy roles were high, many of the medical students were unaware that
physiotherapists can practice on first-contact basis and autonomously. About 60%
of the students also viewed the role of physiotherapists in the health team as
one of providing assistance for medical work. Clinical ward round was the most
common source of information on physiotherapy although many of the students
suggested classroom lecture as a preferred means of obtaining information. Year
of study resulted in significantly different level of awareness (p < 0.05) with a
higher proportion of final year students exhibiting awareness of
physiotherapists' roles. CONCLUSION: Clinical ward rounds facilitated the
students' awareness of the role of physiotherapists. Interprofessional education
involving lectures and clinical ward rounds may assist in building medical
students' level of awareness and appreciation of the physiotherapy profession.

Langue : ANGLAIS