Physical Therapists' Self-Reported Perceptions of Bedside Manners in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study

Bedside manners are an important part of patient-centered physical therapy care, yet little is known about how Saudi physical therapists understand and apply them in practice. This study examined therapists' perceptions of bedside manners and ethics, and explored differences related to gender and work setting.

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 147 licensed Saudi physical therapists. Quantitative data were collected using a 28-item questionnaire, and qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 22 participants. Survey responses were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and differences by gender and work setting were reported. Interview data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Most participants were female (66.7%) and aged 20-30 years (70.7%). Overall, therapists reported very high agreement with bedside-manner principles across most items. Descriptive patterns by gender and work setting in some perceptions (e.g., patient privacy, therapist presence, and attention to minor cases) were noted. Qualitative analysis identified seven themes: building trust, perceived positive contribution to care, body language, differing views on empathy, therapist presence, patient equity, and seeking help from colleagues.

Saudi physical therapists strongly supported core bedside manner behaviors, especially communication, privacy, reassurance, and fair treatment of patients. These findings may inform efforts to incorporate bedside manners into physical therapy education and professional development in support of ethical, patient-centered practice.