Do physiotherapists have a role to play in the Sustainable Development Goals? A qualitative exploration.
Sholena Narain, Desmond Mathye
PMID 31061910WHAT IT FOUND
South African academic physiotherapists saw their profession as able to contribute to health, education and women empowerment goals.
They named HIV, chronic disease, maternal and child health, disability education and mentoring women.
Key findings
01Participants identified three SDGs relevant to physiotherapy: good health and well-being, quality education and empowering women.
02Participants described physiotherapy roles in HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases of lifestyle, maternal health and child mortality.
03Participants also saw roles in empowering women and in inclusive education for children with disabilities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only nine participants were interviewed, all academic physiotherapists with PhD degrees in South Africa. The paper reports opinions about possible roles, not patient outcomes or tested interventions. Participants were known to the researchers and selected for academic expertise, so their views may not represent community or private practice physiotherapists. The authors state that PhD status did not mean expertise on all interview issues. Findings are limited to three SDGs and a South African university context.
Declared interests
No funding or conflict-of-interest declaration is included in the supplied text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these themes as proof that physiotherapy improves health, education or empowerment outcomes. The paper reports opinions of expert academic physiotherapists, not patient results.