Physiotherapists' perceptions of palliative care: a qualitative survey

There is a clear need for physiotherapy in the care of patients receiving palliative care, especially in hospital-based settings.

This study aimed to identify Swiss hospital-based physiotherapists' perceptions and experiences in palliative care, using an online qualitative survey design, and analyzing the data using reflexive thematic analysis.

In total, 75 hospital-based physiotherapists participated in the study, of which 68% had palliative care experience. Three main themes were identified: 1) Recognizing the importance of palliative care, 2) the personal impact on physiotherapists, and 3) the search for individual solutions. Under the first theme were the positive perceptions toward palliative care, including wanting an earlier involvement of palliative care, as well as more acknowledgment of the key role that physiotherapists have in palliative care. The personal impact encompassed the way in which participants were affected by difficult patient situations, but also a recognition of the rewards of working in palliative care, including learning valuable lessons for life. The last theme encompassed participants' experiences of finding a sense of security in the team, their flexibility in setting adapted goals, and their own experience as a facilitator.

Physiotherapists seem to have a natural way of coping with difficult situations with support from their teams. In addition, hospital-based physiotherapists seem generally well equipped to treat patients in palliative situations and their involvement in the care of patients receiving palliative care should be promoted.