CHALLENGES AND VISIONS OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST PROFESSION IN ALBANIA

Rezarta STENA, Klara HYSENAJ, Armelda TETA, Blerina BANI

Abstract

Aims? The purpose of this study is to highlight the problems that physiotherapists in Albania face during their daily working and to promote the role of these professionals in patient management emphasizing their visions in the further evolution of this field. Methodology? This cross-sectional study was realized through self-administered questionnaires, according to the latest studies, published by PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Physiotherapy Databases Evidences with keywords? physiotherapy, profession, science; as well as American Journal of Physical Therapy recommendations. The questionnaire consisted on 3 sessions. First session included general data, second session addressed problems faced in daily working and third session the visions for the future of this profession in our country. The statistical analysis was performed via SPSS system. Results? In the study participated 84 physiotherapists, with a predominant age of 30, where 65.9% of them work in a private institution. The main difficulties that physiotherapists face in daily work are few referrals from doctors (39%) and the lack of standardized protocols (34.1%). The challenges of this profession in Albania are lack of support structures (44%) and pay level (25.6%). The greatest interest in the field of physiotherapy in our country is the identification and promotion of the figure of physiotherapist, professional autonomy, new therapeutic modalities and ongoing education and training. Conclusions? Creating support structures that represent common interests of physiotherapists the increasing of cooperation between doctors and physiotherapists; the increasing of professional autonomy level; as well as offering education and frequent trainings based on standardized protocols and latest scientific researches.

Pages: 305 - 311