SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES FACED BY PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Author Name: 1. Takhe Junja 2. Tage Sepi 3. Somsankar Mukherjee

Volume/Issue: 02/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/08.2021-11855853/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Graduate Scholar Department of physiotherapy IGTAMSU, Arunachal Pradesh, India
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy IGTAMSU, Arunachal Pradesh, India
3. HOD (Physiotherapy) IGTAMSU, Arunachal Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

Field of physiotherapy is expanding to its further limits as it is less understood by the people residing within the state. Its development may be halted by several known and unknown issues. So far, no studies have been found regarding challenges and scope of a physiotherapist within Arunachal Pradesh. This study aims to explore certain/selected problems faced by physiotherapist working within the state. As for every initiation there is a need of exploration and gross understanding about the current status of the subject, so that further research would be done effectively with minimal biasness. Method: An exploratory survey was conducted to find the scope of practice and challenges faced by physiotherapist in Arunachal Pradesh. A questionnaire was formed based on the current challenges faced by the physiotherapist of Arunachal Pradesh as well as in India and abroad countries. The questionnaire was formed using Google form and distributed via sharing its link through emails, phone sms and whatsapp application. The questionnaire included demographic data, professional responses about physiotherapy practice in their area, job-oriented questions and their opinion and suggestions. Results: Twenty six physiotherapists responded to the survey. Most of them are young female therapist. The female-male ratio is 2.7:1. The survey states that the majority of localities are biased between physiotherapists and massage therapist. A limitation of diagnostic facilities in state is one of the challenges faced by the physiotherapist. The other factors that challenge the therapist are improper state infrastructures such as bad road, poor transportation facilities, electric power shortages. Extreme climate and impatience of a patient also adds in problem list of physiotherapists. The ignorant behaviour of society such as social discrimination and gender discrimination, hamper the moral boost and motivation for physiotherapist. Apart from this, the majority of physiotherapists are not satisfied with equipment availability, low pay scale and no standardization of fees for therapist. Conclusion: To get rid of all problems, majority of therapist expects a proper state Physiotherapy council, proper social awareness & health benefit schemes, and programme for promoting physiotherapy need to be conducted.

Key words: Challenges, scope, Physiotherapy, Arunachal Pradesh