Physiotherapy in Haiti: A qualitative study exploring local clinicians' perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Global Health
• Physiotherapy Practice

Background:

• The 2010 earthquake in Haiti led to increased demand for physiotherapy services due to a rise in permanent impairments.
• Humanitarian response focused on short-term rehabilitation, neglecting sustainable service development.
• A decade post-earthquake, the state of physiotherapy in Haiti remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Haitian physiotherapy professionals' perspectives on the current state of their profession.
• To identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the physiotherapy sector in Haiti.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory descriptive design.
• Two-phase study: initial survey and semi-structured interviews.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Six interrelated themes emerged impacting physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.
• Themes include: physiotherapy as an emerging field, government funding and planning, service accessibility, interprofessional relationships, international collaboration, and professional associations.
• Physiotherapy associations are actively advocating for the profession.

Conclusions:

• Local physiotherapy associations are a significant strength, advocating for the profession.
• Lack of government funding and service planning are major barriers.
• Future international support should prioritize local associations for sustainable rehabilitation service development.