Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2004. / Also held in print (111 leaves, 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection (T 615.82 ALE)

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 1997. / Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Department of Physical Therapy. Also available online.

Little research has explored the dilemmas of practice experienced by practitioners working with rehabilitation clients who are assimilating disabilities, resulting from injury or chronic conditions, into their lives. Consequently, there is limited literature to support educational initiatives or clinicians' decision-making in these settings. Accordingly, this qualitative study was designed to explore 'expert' physical therapists' perceptions of dilemmas of practice in rehabilitation settings. Using an ethnographic design, multiple interviews were conducted over a period of six months with each of ten participants. The researcher's theoretical background and 'insider' role were thoroughly explicated. Interpretive analysis was grounded in three overarching themes that emerged from the participants' accounts and compared with relevant theoretical constructs and research in physical therapy and other health professions. In the first theme the 'authority' of the concept of evidence-based practice as it is currently promoted within physical therapy was questioned. A need was identified to develop rigorous alternative sources of 'evidence' to support current practice that are more congruent with the multifactorial and client-centred nature of rehabilitation service provision. A second theme explored situations interpreted as causing moral distress in which the participants found themselves prevented from acting effectively on behalf of the clients, as a result of admission and discharge decisions and perceived misuse of rehabilitation resources within the organization and health system. The third theme related to the advantages and disadvantages of being involved with the interdisciplinary team. A lack of understanding of different professional philosophies of practice was perceived as a contributing factor to conflict and miscommunication. These themes are related to issues of professional accountability and suggest that physical therapy needs to develop a clearly articulated philosophy and conceptual models, including the concept of client-centred practice, that would reflect practice, serve to guide research and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Alternative sources of 'best' evidence need to be developed that more realistically reflect complex 'practice' knowledge. In addition, the profession needs to commit to developing a comprehensive ethics curriculum offered in education programs and through interdisciplinary learning opportunities, by which physical therapists will be better prepared for the moral deliberations inherent in their professional role. / Education, Faculty of / Educational Studies (EDST), Department of / Graduate

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No description available.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Manual therapists are susceptible to occupational low back pain. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for occupational low back pain in manual therapists and to determine and compare the prevalence and risk factors for occupational low back pain among various types of manual therapists in South Africa. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey and a self-administered questionnaire, developed from the literature and validated prior to the study, was mailed to 1500 randomly selected manual therapists, including: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, biokineticists, chiropractors, reflexologists, aromatherapists and massage therapists. A total of 233 completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 15.53%. Results revealed that the point prevalence of low back pain in manual therapists was very high at 41%, the one-year prevalence was 59% and the career prevalence was 74%. The point prevalence of low back pain was highest in aromatherapists and biokineticists, while both the one-year and career prevalence of low back pain was highest in occupational therapists and massage therapists. The risk factors for low back pain in manual therapists were: BMI; previous abdominal surgery; previous trauma to the low back, hips, knees or ankles; a physically stressful job; not having an assistant and work in a hospital or other setting. In keeping with the literature, various workrelated factors were implicated in the development and / or exacerbation of low back pain in certain manual therapists more than others and low back pain history in the different manual therapists was also in accordance with the literature. To conclude, low back pain is prevalent among South African manual therapists and the development and implementation of preventative programs to reduce rates of occupational low back pain in manual therapists is mandatory.

No description available.

Aim of the study. To assess job satisfaction of Lithuanian physical therapists. Objectives. 1) to assess overall job satisfaction of physical therapists; 2) to determine factors, affecting job satisfaction of physical therapists. Methods. The survey was carried out during the congress of Lithuanian Physical Therapy Association (28 May 2004). 224 questionnaires were distributed and 202 returned (response rate - 90.1%). 179 questionnaires were analysed. Job satisfaction was evaluated in scores from 1 (completely dissatisfied) to 5 (completely satisfied). Data analysis was performed with the help of statistical package SPSS 10. Statistical procedures: chi-square‘s test (χ²), Spearman rank correlation, Student (t) test, dispersion analysis (ANOVA). Results. 77.6% of physical therapists were satisfied with their work, 17.9%- neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 4.5% - dissatisfied. The score of overall job satisfaction was 3.8 out of 5.There were no significant differences in job satisfaction by gender, age groups, working experience, and workplace. Respondents with higher university education were more satisfied in their work than respondents with higher non-university education (scores 3.9 and 3.68; p<0.05). We found negative correlation between job satisfaction and the intent to change profession or workplace (correlation coefficients - 0.39 and -0.46; p<0.05). Statistically significant relationships between job satisfaction and pay (correlation coefficient 0.25), opportunity to... [to full text]

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2007. / Title from title screen (viewed 17 Apr. 2007). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2004. / Adviser: Joel Weiss.