Australian physiotherapists' and occupational therapists' views on professional practice

The extent to which physiotherapists and occupational therapists endorse a humanistic, holistic approach to health care was addressed in a survey of attitudes of practicing occupational therapists (N = 378) and physiotherapists (N = 558). A 22-item questionnaire including aspects of therapist's knowledge and techniques, holistic approach, client characteristics, client/therapist relationship, and approaches to professional practice was employed. The findings indicate that the professional practices reflecting the new public health model prevailed. This model emphasizes client/therapist interaction, the client's own ability to change and improve, and holistic attitudes towards health care, along with the therapist's knowledge and skills. However, comparative analyses of the two therapy groups reveal that although both groups support a humanistic approach to client care, occupational therapists promote the client's resources and coping skills to a greater extent, place more emphasis on the client in terms of the client's capacity for recovery and coping abilities, were more involved with the social, personal, and psychological problems of the client, and place less emphasis on treatment methods and techniques than physiotherapists. Demographic variables including gender, age, and workplace setting (public/private) were found to be significantly related to views of professional practice. Recommendations for the training of therapists and the implications for practitioners are made and suggestions for further research are given.