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Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
An International Journal of Physical Therapy
Volume 36, 2020 - Issue 2
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Qualitative Research Report

Advanced Physiotherapy Practice: A qualitative study on the potential challenges and barriers to implementation in Ghana

, PT, MScORCID Icon, , PhD & , PT, PhD
Pages 307-315 | Received 22 Mar 2017, Accepted 31 Mar 2018, Published online: 13 Jun 2018
 

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify the potential challenges and barriers to the implementation of Advanced Physiotherapy Practice (APP) in Ghana. Methods: A basic interpretive qualitative study design was conducted, with a semi-structured focus group comprising eight physiotherapists and a one-to-one interview with the director of orthopedic surgery in the second largest hospital in Ghana. Participants were sampled purposefully to ensure they had a clear understanding of APP. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, coded and thematic analysis was performed. Findings: Four key themes were identified as potential challenges to the implementation of APP in Ghana. Theme 1 Jurisdictional Disputes: Physiotherapists believed doctors will not accept the practice, while the doctor interviewed was willing to accept the practice. Theme 2: Management Support: Support from management was identified as a potential barrier to APP implementation due to workplace culture and liability. Theme 3 Change in Law and Policy: APP could be hindered if there is no legislative support and policies in place. Theme 4 Postgraduate Training: This was identified as key to the implementation of APP since there is no such level of training in Ghana. Conclusion: Barriers to health-care programs are often not identified and addressed prior to their implementation in developing countries, leading to program failure. Addressing these four barriers and challenges could ensure the successful implementation of APP in Ghana. APP has the potential to improve access to rural health-care delivery and augment the shortage of health professionals in developing countries.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The principal researcher was funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship during the study.

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