Perceptions of practising physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia about their role in the health promotion of patients with musculoskeletal conditions: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ perceptions in Saudi Arabia about their understanding and role in health promotion through lifestyle behaviours and risk factors assessment and management of patients with musculoskeletal pain and disabilities. Study design: Qualitative study. Method: One-to-one interviews with 12 physiotherapists (six females; mean age 34.5 ± 8) within a constructivist framework. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Result: Three themes were identified: (1) the physiotherapists’ awareness and knowledge of health promotion; (2) current practice of physiotherapists to implementing health promotion practice; and (3) the physiotherapists’ perceived barriers to implementing health promotion practice. Participants generally perceived health promotion to be within their scope of practice. However, their understanding and approaches to deliver this practice were varied and non-standardised. Some barriers to routine engagement in health promotion were identified, including time constraints, the beliefs of healthcare practitioners, and limited education and training. Conclusion: This study highlighted that physiotherapists acknowledged the role of health promotion in their practice. However, there were different explanations of the concept and it was informally practised.