Authors (including presenting author) :
CHAN TH(1), CHOW YP(1), LAI TY (1), LI NC(1), TSE CH(1), WONG YT(1), Yu TW(2) (1)Saint Francis University students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy program, (1)Senior lecturer in Saint Francis University
Affiliation :
(1)Saint Francis University students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy program, (1)Lecturer in Saint Francis University
Keyword 1: :
essential skills and attributes
Keyword 4: :
patient care
Keyword 5: :
good physiotherapist
Introduction :
While studies related to essential skills and attributes of physiotherapists are conducted in foreign countries, their findings might not be directly transferrable to Hong Kong with geo-cultural differences.
Objectives :
(1) to identify essential skills and attributes as a physiotherapist in Hong Kong and (2) To explore the application of essential skills and attributes for student admission to physiotherapy programmes at university, staff recruitment in Hospital Authority, and physiotherapist's ongoing professional development in Hong Kong to improve quality of physiotherapist in Hong Kong.
Methodology :
This is a qualitative pilot study collecting data through conducting semi-structured interviews for thematic analysis, with Hong Kong-registered physiotherapists who are experienced in the three main specialties (musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary) as participants. Audio recorded semi-structured interviews are used as interventions.
Result & Outcome :
Six physiotherapists participated and contributed to the results. The key findings regarding essential skills and attributes of physiotherapists in Hong Kong show participants' emphasis and expectation on eight themes, including "Being Attentive," "Being Patient-centred," "Being Open," "Being a Listener," "Being Validating," "Being Positive," "Being Collaborative," and "Being Competent." For student physiotherapy programme university admission, "Being Competent," "Being Collaborative," and "Being Positive" are prioritized. For the recruitment of physiotherapists by Hospital Authority, "Being Competent," "Being Collaborative," and "Being Person-centered" are prioritized. For the self-development of Hong Kong physiotherapists, "Being competent" and "Being open" are prioritized. In conclusion, this study may inform physiotherapy program admission, Hospital Authority employment, and continuing professional development, ensuring they align with the essential skills and attributes of proficient clinicians. However, while the methodology is sound for research question 1, the focus of this pilot study might be too broad for research question two.
