Pediatric physical therapy in southern estonia: profile of an emerging profession

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary information on the professional identity and practice of Estonian pediatric therapists.

A survey was conducted among 18 therapists using a questionnaire translated and administered verbally.

Therapists were found to have various educational and experiential backgrounds such as nursing, physical education, and a new program of physical therapy. They were involved with infants and children up to the age of 16 years. They worked mostly full-time and provided therapy to clients who have a wide variety of conditions; they emphasized individual and direct service. Assessment was primarily based on observation and teamwork was associated with multidisciplinary interaction.

The emerging profession is progressively achieving international standards and in May 1999 became a member of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.