South African Journal of Physiotherapy最新文献

{"title":"Student-created digital artefacts for health promotion and disease prevention: A scoping review.","authors":"Anke van der Merwe, Lizemari Hugo","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2298","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Digital health promotion is critical in addressing global disease burden, yet little is known about how healthcare educators train undergraduate students to create these artefacts for health promotion and disease prevention. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework underpinned the study.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the creation of digital artefacts for health promotion and disease prevention by undergraduate students in health professions programmes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The review used the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Preferred Reporting Items Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, systematically searching 13 databases with information scientist assistance. Studies describing digital artefacts created by undergraduate healthcare students were included. Data were inductively and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 314 records, 11 articles from mostly high-income countries focussing on medical and nursing students were included after screening. Digital artefacts included videos, social media content, and multimedia materials targeting populations. Students demonstrated positive attitudes towards creation, influenced by empowerment and knowledge gains, with target populations reporting increased knowledge and cultural relevance. Subjective norms were shaped by institutional support and expert guidance. Students showed perceived behavioural control due to technological competencies. Only two studies reported using educational frameworks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study emphasises digital artefacts' effectiveness in health promotion, highlighting their reach to diverse populations. Findings stress the importance of support in assisting students to create accurate, culturally relevant health messages for the evolving healthcare environment.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Healthcare curricula must adapt to include digital health promotion skills, requiring educators to update teaching approaches to prepare graduates for modern healthcare delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2298"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical educators' perspectives on physical activity and exercise prescription in clinical education for physiotherapy: A qualitative study.","authors":"Shamila Gamiet, Farhana Karachi, Joliana Phillips, José Frantz","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2272","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physical activity (PA) promotion and exercise prescription (EP) are crucial core competencies in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. However, the extent to which these competencies are taught and implemented in clinical education for physiotherapy remains unclear within the South African context.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore clinical educators' perceptions regarding PA and EP in clinical education for physiotherapy at a local university in the Western Cape, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. Eleven clinical educators participated in two focus group discussions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants had an average of 15 years of clinical experience. More women (73%, <i>n</i> = 8/11) participated. Thematic analysis revealed three principal themes: (1) Professional identity and patient empowerment, (2) knowledge translation challenges: bridging theory and practice and (3) time and resource constraints - identifying practical constraints that impact teaching and implementation. Participants expressed their profession's responsibility in promoting PA and prescribing exercises across all clinical settings. They identified challenges in clinical practice, knowledge translation gaps and the need for strengthened professional development.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The complex interplay between educational theory, clinical practice constraints and the evolving role of physiotherapists in public health are highlighted. A multi-faceted approach that considers educational reform and healthcare system constraints, while maintaining a focus on improving patient outcomes through promoting PA and exercise, is recommended.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Emphasis on preparing physiotherapy students to effectively educate and empower patients for independent health management is recommended and could impact population health outcomes in resource-limited settings in which the ongoing professional supervision of exercise programmes is often not feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058542/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between sociodemographic and injury factors in community reintegration following spinal cord injury: An analysis of two datasets.","authors":"Joyce Mothabeng, Chiedozie Eleje, Martins Nweke","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Community reintegration after spinal cord injury (SCI) is influenced by personal and injury-related factors. However, data from two South African studies examining these associations have not been jointly analysed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study aimed to examine the association between sociodemographic and injury-related factors and community reintegration among people with spinal cord injury (PWSCI).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Secondary data analysis was conducted using two cross-sectional South African datasets comprising 182 PWSCI. The datasets met the predefined homogeneity criteria and were analysed separately and as a pooled dataset. Community reintegration was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics, while Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to examine associations between explanatory variables and community reintegration outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the pooled analysis, better community reintegration was significantly associated with younger age (< 55 years), female sex and employment (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Participants with thoracic and lumbar injuries showed higher levels of reintegration than those with cervical injuries although this association was not statistically significant. Injury severity and aetiology were not significantly associated with community reintegration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Younger age, female sex and favourable social circumstances, particularly employment, are associated with better community reintegration among PWSCI. These findings highlight the importance of considering the sociodemographic context and injury characteristics when planning rehabilitation and community-based support interventions.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Early identification of older and unemployed PWSCI may help clinicians target individuals at a higher risk of poor community reintegration and guide tailored rehabilitation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2326"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reaching a consensus on a patellofemoral pain syndrome self-management programme for recreational cyclists in Saudi Arabia: A modified Delphi study.","authors":"Ameen Masoudi, Bashir Bello, Nomzamo Chemane, Ushotanefe Useh, Nontembiso Magida","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recreational cycling is increasingly popular in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. However, many cyclists lack structured self-management programmes (SMPs) to address patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common overuse injury that significantly affects knee function and cycling performance. Despite the growing interest in cycling, a critical gap remains in culturally relevant, evidence-based SMP.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study aimed to develop expert consensus on the essential components of SMP for recreational cyclists with PFPS.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Our study employed a two-round modified Delphi to develop expert consensus on the components of an SMP for recreational cyclists with PFPS. A panel of 25 experts, comprising physiotherapists, biokinetists, sports medicine professionals and exercise physiologists, participated in Round 1, with 19 experts (76% retention) completing Round 2. The process involved rating proposed programme objectives, principles, outcome measures and pain relief strategies using a four-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of respondents selecting either 'disagree' to 'strongly agree'.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Consensus was reached on strengthening exercises (88%), evidence-based practice (84%), pain education (84%), PFPS education (92%) and knee pain management (92%). Round 2 results were streamlined and ranked according to pain, function, adherence, cultural resources and engagement supports, following clarifications and the addition of new items from experts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study establishes an evidence-based, region-specific framework for self-managing PFPS among recreational cyclists.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The proposed programme is designed to enhance adherence, reduce the risk of injury and improve cycling performance. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, its scalability, outcomes and integration into national sports and rehabilitation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2271"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969536/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The global profile of individuals undergoing total knee replacement surgery through a PROGRESS-PLUS equity lens: A systematic review.","authors":"Marisa Coetzee, Amanda Clifford, Dominique C Leibbrandt, Jacobus Jordaan, Quinette Louw","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common, disabling condition influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors and often requiring a total knee replacement (TKR). However, most rehabilitation programmes are developed in high-income countries, potentially limiting transferability to lower-income settings with distinct health equity challenges.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to describe the demographic and health equity profiles of adults undergoing TKR for primary OA across low-, middle- and high-income countries.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Web of Science and ProQuest for peer-reviewed primary research, including observational studies, randomised controlled trials and grey literature published between 2020 and 2024. Studies reporting on individuals undergoing TKR were selected. Data extraction followed the PROGRESS-Plus framework, and a descriptive synthesis of demographic and health equity information was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review included 101 studies with over 3.2 million participants, predominantly from high- and upper-middle-income countries, with no representation from Africa. Although females consistently represented the majority (54% - 86%), key health equity indicators such as socioeconomic status and education were inadequately reported. Clinical characteristics also varied, with a higher mean BMI observed in high-income country studies. Substantial methodological heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is extensive global research on TKR; however, data from lower-income countries is scarce, and health equity factors are poorly reported.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Inconsistent reporting of outcome measures and limited reporting of health equity in global studies limit the implementation of rehabilitation programmes in low-resource settings. These settings would benefit from detailed equity data to adapt interventions to local patient needs. In addition, better integration of social determinants of health into physiotherapy practice can enhance personalised care and fair resource distribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2303"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Life after the hospital: Lived experience of people with traumatic spinal cord injury in a resource-constrained setting - a qualitative study.","authors":"Maurice Kanyoni, Margaret I Fitch, Joliana Phillips, Lena Nilsson-Wikmar, David K Tumusiime","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>When a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) happens to healthy individuals, it requires an adjustment to life situations in the community. Exploring the lived experience of spinal cord injury survivors is important because it forms a foundation for designing strategies to improve their reintegration back into the community. There are limited studies in the East and Central African region regarding the experience of community reintegration following a TSCI.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored lived experiences of persons with TSCI in Rwanda. Specifically, it sought to identify and understand the barriers and facilitators to living in the community following a TSCI.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Nineteen individuals, purposively selected for diversity, were interviewed face to face. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the informants was 40 years, ranging from 21 years to 72 years old. Ten participants had paraplegia, and nine were living with tetraplegia. The themes identified were personal factors, social relationships, community-related factors, preinjury status, and having common conditions. Strong personal resources, a supportive family, health insurance coverage, and peer counselling were reported as facilitators. Barriers include inaccessibility to public buildings and transport, inappropriate assistive devices, inappropriate language and pre-injury conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The challenges experienced by people with TSCI range from personal to environmental factors, and from employment to policy issues. This study sheds light on the lived experience of individuals with TSCI. There is a need to review current relevant policies in Rwanda as a first step to addressing these issues.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Rehabilitation services in Rwanda need to be designed to include home-based care. Introducing peer counselling could be beneficial within the rehabilitation programme.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969515/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caring for a child with a lower respiratory tract infection: Parents' perspectives.","authors":"Danielle Foot, Joanne L Potterton","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Parents are intricately involved in managing their child's lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). While medical and physiotherapy management of childhood respiratory infections has been studied, little is known about parents' perspectives on the condition and its care.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and challenges of parents of children with LRTI concerning medical and physiotherapy management.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Parents of children under 3 years with LRTIs were invited to participate in a qualitative exploratory study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Each interview was coded, and deductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews and confirmed after 12 interviews. The mean ages of participants and their children were 34.3 (standard deviation [s.d.] ± 4.9) years and 18.8 (s.d. ± 6.5) months, respectively. The codes that emerged formed sub-themes within a main theme, which was labelled 'It is tough taking care of a sick child'. The sub-themes identified were 'personal challenges', 'treatment options' and 'parent understanding'.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Parents still felt ineffective and stressed about taking care of their child's LRTI, despite the integral role that they play in the management of their child's respiratory condition. Timely access to a multidisciplinary team of paediatric healthcare professionals who practice family-centred care positively influences the experience of caring for a sick child.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Understanding parent perspectives will help healthcare professionals enhance a family-centred care approach, leading to better health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2251"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences of physiotherapists audited by South African medical funding schemes.","authors":"Lesley Meyer, Werdie van Staden, Karien Mostert","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2261","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Forensic auditing safeguards patients' funds by investigating billing irregularities of claims submitted to medical schemes. However, billing irregularity audits can be misguided, as indicated in a study conducted in Australia, Canada and the United States. Negative consequences were reported, including attrition, and patients funding their treatments out of pocket. Medical professionals were penalised, without forensic auditors considering alternative explanations for the alleged irregular billing patterns. Small medical practitioners, unable to defend themselves financially, closed their practices, leaving patients without medical care. In South Africa, the experiences of physiotherapists who underwent forensic audits have not been examined.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored physiotherapists' experiences of forensic auditing by medical scheme administrators.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An analytical qualitative study was conducted to interview 14 physiotherapists. Three focus group discussions and 11 individual interviews were conducted. A semi-structured open-ended interview guide was used, analysing the data via open and axial coding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The first five themes that emerged captured the adverse experiences of physiotherapists. These were (1) 'unfairly persecuted, judged and penalised'; (2) 'overpowered and oppressed'; (3) 'naively entrapped between a rock and a hard place'; (4) 'distressed with a knife over your head' and (5) 'detrimental and hurtful'. In the sixth theme, 'seeking remedies pre-emptively and preparedly', the participants made recommendations to prevent similar unwanted experiences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physiotherapists experienced significant emotional, financial and professional detriment at the hands of South African medical scheme administrators.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The quality of care provided by physiotherapists is adversely affected when forensic audit-related distress occurs.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elements of social accountability in undergraduate health sciences curricula: A scoping review.","authors":"Laeeqa Sujee, Vaneshveri Naidoo, Hellen Myezwa","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v82i1.2269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social accountability represents the social contract between medicine and society, encouraging healthcare professionals (HCPs) to address social and health-related issues. The importance of integrating social accountability into curricula is widely recognised, but there is a lack of comprehensive mapping of the specific elements that should be included.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify the key elements of social accountability that should be integrated into undergraduate health sciences curricula to develop socially accountable HCPs.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual 2015 for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was employed using various keyword combinations and search strings, inclusive of published and grey literature from the past 15 years. Studies were systematically charted and analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A rigorous screening process resulted in 47 studies being included in the review. Majority of the studies were qualitative, with the highest number of studies originating from Canada, South Africa, and the United States, as well as several multi-country studies. Equity emerged as the most frequently mentioned value, while cost-effectiveness was discussed the least.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The scoping review demonstrates that embedding equity-driven approaches, community engagement, interprofessional collaboration and transformative learning in healthcare systems and tertiary institutions is vital. Addressing these priorities through undergraduate health sciences training can foster more inclusive, responsive and effective healthcare delivery, and improve health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Integrating the identified elements of social accountability into undergraduate health sciences curricula may lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced health disparities, and more effective, patient-centred care.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"82 1","pages":"2269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969508/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of physiotherapists regarding challenges experienced by patients with Deafness in accessing rehabilitative care.","authors":"Meluleki S Thethwayo, Olivia Baloyi","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2241","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hearing impairment, including deafness, affects approximately 5% of the global population, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as South Africa. Despite the constitutional right to healthcare for all, patients with deafness face persistent health inequalities because of communication barriers with healthcare professionals. Physiotherapists are often unprepared to provide care for patients with deafness, leading to a breakdown in communication and poor healthcare outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored physiotherapists' perceptions regarding the challenges faced by patients with deafness in accessing rehabilitative care in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative research approach was used, with social constructivism as the guiding paradigm. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 18 purposively selected physiotherapists across three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were analysed using Elo and Kyngäs content analysis framework, which involves a systematic three-phase approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified five main categories: (1) access to rehabilitative care, (2) communication barriers, (3) disability stigma and cultural barriers, (4) healthcare system challenges and (5) future aspirations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the need for improved communication strategies, sign language training and a more inclusive approach within the healthcare system to enhance access to rehabilitative care for patients with deafness. The study underscores the importance of addressing systemic and individual factors to provide equitable healthcare to all patients, including those with hearing impairments.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The study underscores the urgent need for physiotherapists to receive sign language and cultural competency training to improve communication and healthcare delivery for patients with deafness, ensuring equitable access to rehabilitative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12587141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145460234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}