Exploring mental health approaches and curriculum in physiotherapy: an Australasian perspective

Physiotherapists Lack Knowledge in Mental Health: A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes of Physical Therapists About Their Role in Mental Health

“…1 Also, the vision statement of the physical therapy profession, as articulated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) “transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience” emphasizes that the healthcare system needs to evolve from a medical to a biopsychosocial model. 14 Recently, Furness et al 15 reiterated the emphasis on educational requirements for Australian physiotherapists, underscoring a strong demand for curriculum involving mental health conditions, the scope of physiotherapy practice, and treatment approaches for individuals with mental health concerns. 15 Given the lack of studies investigating Saudi physiotherapists’ knowledge of their role in dealing with patients with mental illness, this study aims to determine the self-reported knowledge of physiotherapists regarding this role.…”

“…14 Recently, Furness et al 15 reiterated the emphasis on educational requirements for Australian physiotherapists, underscoring a strong demand for curriculum involving mental health conditions, the scope of physiotherapy practice, and treatment approaches for individuals with mental health concerns. 15 Given the lack of studies investigating Saudi physiotherapists’ knowledge of their role in dealing with patients with mental illness, this study aims to determine the self-reported knowledge of physiotherapists regarding this role. It is hypothesized that physical therapists have poor knowledge and negative attitudes regarding treating patients with mental disorders.…”

“…14 Recently, Furness et al 15 reiterated the emphasis on educational requirements for Australian physiotherapists, underscoring a strong demand for curriculum involving mental health conditions, the scope of physiotherapy practice, and treatment approaches for individuals with mental health concerns. 15 Given the lack of studies investigating Saudi physiotherapists' knowledge of their role in dealing with patients with mental illness, this…”