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

Abstract

Purpose

As the number of mental illnesses increases, there is a need to manage it holistically within a multidisciplinary team. The majority of patients with physical disabilities suffer from mental health problems, and physiotherapy can play a role in improving their lifestyle. This study aimed to determine physiotherapists’ self-reported knowledge and attitudes regarding their role in treating patients with mental health disorders.

Methods

This study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective observational survey design. The sample consisted of 208 physical therapists.

Results

The majority of the participants, (48%) had a positive attitude score, with (40%) having a neutral attitude and (12%) having a negative attitude toward treating patients with mental health issues. Most respondents (86%) reported that they need more information regarding patients with mental health disorders and physiotherapists’ management of their physical health issues.

Conclusion

Many physiotherapists lack knowledge and hold a neutral to negative attitude towards treating patients with mental disorders. This highlights the need for more training to fill the gap in knowledge and guide physiotherapists to build upon their positive attitude towards treating patients with mental disorders.

Keywords:

• physiotherapists
• mental illness
• mental health
• psychosocial

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support provided through the Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project (No.PNURSP2024R535), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.