Strategies for the Development of Physiotherapy in Iran from the Point of View of Physiotherapy Graduates: A Qualitative Study of the Content Analysis Type

Shohre Noorizadeh Dehkordi; Mohammad Akbari; Parisa Naserian Khiabani; Nooradine Nakhstin Ansari; Mehdi Dadgoo

doi:10.18502/jimc.v7i3.15726

Shohre Noorizadeh Dehkordi Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iranian Center of Excellence in Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Akbari Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iranian Center of Excellence in Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran
Parisa Naserian Khiabani Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iranian Center of Excellence in Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran
Nooradine Nakhstin Ansari Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iranian Center of Excellence in Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Dadgoo Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iranian Center of Excellence in Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v7i3.15726

Keywords: Curriculum, Insurance carriers, Iran, Physical therapists, Physical therapy modalities

Abstract

Background: Despite the direct access to clients in physiotherapy worldwide, Iran has yet to achieve significant improvements in the educational standards and professional responsibilities of physiotherapists. Currently, Iranian physiotherapists do not have direct access to patients. This study aims to present solutions for the professional development of physiotherapy, based on the perspectives of scholars in this field.

Methods: This qualitative content analysis study explored the experiences of 12 physiotherapy scholars from three levels of study (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) through structured and semi-in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was conducted concurrently with data collection using Granheim and Ludman’s content analysis method.

Results: The identified potential solutions include continuous review of the curriculum, strengthening clinical education, elevation of the basic level of physiotherapy education to a professional doctorate or master’s degree, post-graduation competency assessment, revision of educational priorities, establishing a strong presence in hospital and community departments, preventing the influence and interference of other disciplines, raising public awareness of the capabilities and potential of the profession, and paying greater attention to professional ethics.

Conclusion: In the absence of entry-level general doctor of physiotherapy and direct access to patients, the quality of physiotherapy services will not improve, leading to suboptimal health outcomes for clients and consequent waste of time and financial resources for both patients and insurance providers.