Study of the knowledge and appreciation of medical students for physiotherapy

It is evident that a good understanding of the profession of physiotherapy and the appreciation of the work of physiotherapists by doctors is the key to a valuable working relationship between the two professions. Following this fact, a questionnaire was sent to all foreign medical students of Debrecen University, from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, to evaluate their understanding and interest in physiotherapy.
It was supposed that medical students' knowledge of physiotherapy is poor and inaccurate, and that they do not recognize it as an important part of the Health care system, which could affect the future working relationship between doctors and physiotherapists.
The questionnaire was answered by 144 students (16% of the total number). The results highlight the fact that these students are familiar with the concept of physiotherapy, although, they are not aware of the whole spectrum of conditions that can be taken care by physiotherapists.
Very often, the work of physiotherapists is linked to the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, and much less connected to cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous and psychological conditions. It also establishes that medical students have a positive opinion toward physiotherapy, and they would be interested in knowing more about the profession.
This suggests that the students don't need to be convinced of the qualities and importance of physiotherapy in health care, but only need to be informed. This way, the understanding of the physiotherapy profession could be improved, and could eventually prepare the future doctors to recognize the work of physiotherapists, promoting team work for the good care of the patient.
The questionnaire was the first step of a project destined to promote physiotherapy. The second step is to give the medical students the opportunity to have their own experience of physiotherapy: group sessions of fitness to introduce the importance of good physical condition, and private sessions to treat back pain, neck pain or other physical impairment. These sessions, planned as a long term project, are aimed to improve the knowledge and interest of medical students for the healthcare profession.