Role of physiotherapy auxiliary personnel in Nova Scotia: a descriptive survey

This study was designed to gather information and opinion on the impact and role of auxiliary personnel in physiotherapy, in Nova Scotia (NS). The physiotherapist/auxiliary ratio and present and future levels of education, supervision, and activities of auxiliary personnel were investigated. All NS physiotherapists registered with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP) were surveyed by mailed questionnaire; one follow-up was sent. Two questionnaires were developed. Potential levels of the terms assistant and technician were defined to facilitate interpretation of the opinion statements. Questionnaire A was mailed to all registered physiotherapists (n = 279, response rate 83%). Questionnaire B was mailed with Questionnaire A to directors and clinic owners (n = 73, 79% response rate). Results showed a physiotherapist/auxiliary personnel ratio (excluding clerical) of 3.75:1. The majority of personnel were trained in-house. There was a trend toward less frequent supervision with more extensively trained auxiliary personnel. More respondents considered that formally trained assistants would best serve the profession of physiotherapy in the future. To conclude, this study adds to the body of knowledge of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the NSCP. It should assist the NS Department of Health and Fitness in analyzing needs for training of auxiliary personnel in Physiotherapy, and provide data for future studies.