Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, August, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-157)

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2006. / Title from title screen. Leslie Taylor, committee chair; Elizabeth Burgess, Frank Whittington, Jaye Atkinson, committee members. Electronic text (75 p. : ill. (some col.)) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed July 30, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-66).

A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2007. / To establish the profile of the typical patient presenting to private chiropractors in South Africa, in terms of: demographic data; characteristics of the presenting complaint; the knowledge levels of patients on the scope of chiropractic; the diagnosis of the patients; to compare this primary data to existing data from similar international studies. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xi, 84, 10 leaves / To establish the profile of the typical patient presenting to private chiropractors in South Africa, in terms of: demographic data; characteristics of the presenting complaint; the knowledge levels of patients on the scope of chiropractic; the diagnosis of the patients; to compare this primary data to existing data from similar international studies.

[Truncated abstract] This PhD project was comprised of three major studies. Study 1 utilised the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to identify a typology of difficult patients in private practice physiotherapy and to determine strategies physiotherapists use and would like to improve, when dealing with such patients. Physiotherapists (n=37) also shared their expectations of patients and their perceptions of patient expectations of physiotherapy. Results showed that the two areas most difficult to manage were behavioural problems of patients followed by patient expectations. To assist in their interaction with difficult patients, physiotherapists identified communication skills and behaviour modification techniques as strategies they would most like to learn. While physiotherapists expressed the greatest number of expectations in the behavioural domain, identification of patient expectations was not elicited as a strategy to manage difficult patients. Results of this qualitative study contribute to the evolving literature relating to physiotherapist-patient interactions and form a useful basis for educational programs directed at improving the therapeutic relationship in private practice physiotherapy. Study 2 involved applying the NGT with separate groups of patients (n=26) to identify patient expectations of the qualities of a ‘good’ physiotherapist, and to ascertain the characteristics of good and bad experiences in private practice physiotherapy. Findings indicated that the qualities of a ‘good’ physiotherapist related to their communication ability, professional behaviour and organisational ability, and characteristics of the service provided. The most important expectations of patients were for example, symptomatic relief, self-management strategies and ‘hands on’ treatment; associated with the physical domain. When comparing equivalent groups from Study 1, with patient expectations, most patient groups identified that the most important expectations of physiotherapists would relate to patient behaviours such as; compliance, honesty, payment of their account, being punctual, cooperating, trusting and showing respect for their physiotherapist. However, physiotherapists’ rankings of the most important expectations held by patients were not congruent with patient rankings providing an explanation as to why problems may arise in the physiotherapistpatient interaction from the patient’s perspective. Based on the findings of Study 2 it was suggested that physiotherapists should actively seek to involve patients in their management. To do this effectively, physiotherapists would benefit from further training in communication skills to ensure that they can successfully adopt a patientcentred approach and to optimise the physiotherapist-patient interaction in private practice physiotherapy.

In this climate of increasing diversity in the population of patients requiring Physical Therapy (PT) services, PT educators should prepare students and future clinicians to work competently in culturally diverse environments. To be able to achieve this goal, PT educators should be culturally competent as well. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a workshop aimed at improving cultural diversity awareness of the University of the Pacific (UOP) PT educators. The seminar content and class materials were developed by the author in close consultation with the workshop facilitator, who is an expert on cultural diversity. These materials were validated by Physical Therapists and cultural diversity experts. To determine the effectiveness of the workshop in improving cultural diversity awareness, the Cultural Diversity Awareness Questionnaire (CDAQ) was developed, validated for content, analyzed for reliability, field tested and pilot tested. Results indicated that the instrument was valid and reliable. The one-day workshop was presented to twelve academic and clinical faculty of the UOP PT Department. The one group pretest-posttest experimental design was used, with the participants completing the CDAQ before and after the workshop. The attendees also completed a course evaluation at the conclusion of the seminar. Results showed a statistically significant positive change in the pretest/posttest results. This indicated that the workshop was effective in improving cultural diversity awareness of the participants. Results of the workshop evaluation affirmed the achievement of the educational objectives and effectiveness of the facilitator. This study provided-a-solid-initial-foundation-on-which a-comprehensive cultural competence program can be developed.