Awareness about Physiotherapy Techniques among doctors of Nishtar Medi-cal University Multan

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats and works to prevent diseases and disability by physical means.

Objective: To assess the awareness of physiotherapy techniques among doctors working at a tertiary care hospital of south Punjab.

Methodology: Study design; Cross-sectional study. Study setting: Nishtar Medical University, Multan. Study duration. Januray to March 2022. The sample size of 110, was selected by a non-probability convenient sampling technique. All 110 self-administered questionnaires that were distributed, and collected back from the participants. The questionnaire included variables including age, gender, designation, working department, questions of knowledge of physiotherapy techniques, and questions about the roles of physiotherapists e.g. use of EMG (Electromyography) and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, fit orthotic and ICU management. Data analysis: Data was entered in SPSS 20

Results: Out of 110 doctors included in the study, 45.5% of participants were House Officers, 24.5% were Medical Officers and 30% were Postgraduate medical students. Only 51.8% of doctors used to refer patients to the physiotherapy department. This study revealed that 60 (54.5%) of participants knew mechanical traction, 75 (68.2%) of participants had knowledge of hot packs application, 41 (37.3%) of participants had knowledge of ultrasound application, 70 (63.63%) of participants had awareness about the use of  EMG equipment to aid in muscle re-education, 91 (82.7%) of participants had awareness about physiotherapy on-field treatment for Sports injuries, 66.4% of participants had awareness about management of ICU patients.

Conclusion: There is inadequate awareness about the physiotherapy techniques and roles of physiotherapists.  a huge number of these doctors had poor knowledge of physiotherapy. There is a need to increase awareness about physiotherapy for the well-being of patients.