Premium
“I've found it's very meaningful work”: Perspectives of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario
Author(s) -
McLeod Katherine E.,
Norman Kathleen E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.1802
Subject(s) - palliative care , thematic analysis , nursing , medicine , perception , qualitative research , value (mathematics) , psychology , family medicine , sociology , social science , neuroscience , machine learning , computer science
Objectives This study aimed to describe insights from interviews about the experience of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario and their perceptions of the role and value of physiotherapists' involvement in palliative care. Methods We conducted interviews with physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada ( n = 14), and received emailed submissions from two others (one physiotherapist and one physiotherapy student) with current or recent practice experience in palliative care. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of the interview data and emailed submissions. Results Participants' reflections were categorized into three major themes: perceived value of the contribution of physiotherapists in palliative care; the experience of providing physiotherapy in palliative care; and reflections on the palliative care system. Participants described their role in palliative care as diverse, driven by patient goals and focused on the experience of patients and families. Participants perceived a high value in collaborative networks for supporting them to fulfill their role in palliative care settings. Participants also recommended efforts to increase awareness of the potential for physiotherapists to contribute to palliative care. Conclusions The findings confirm those of research in other jurisdictions and extend our understanding of the value and meaningfulness of physiotherapy in palliative care, to patients, families, and physiotherapists themselves.