Canadian physiotherapists' professional identity: an exploratory survey

This survey was funded and conducted by the Ontario and Canadian Physiotherapy Association Task Force on Professional Identity. Professional identity influences the image an occupation projects to its clients, the public, other occupations and governments. As an aid to planning strategy for advancing the professional image of physiotherapy, an open-ended questionnaire explored Canadian physiotherapists' professional identity. Professional identity is promoted by Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) branches and districts. Most therapists identified their skills and potential benefit for patients, but only 15% identified themselves as a member of a health profession involved in a rewarding career. Physiotherapists have achieved many characteristics of an independent profession, but expressed frustration reveals that some members lack power on a personal and professional level.