Exploring the competency and confidence levels of physiotherapists in the management of patients diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses

Figures & data

Table 1. Characteristics of respondents (N = 90).

Variable	N (%)
Gender
Female	74 (82.2)
Male	16 (17.8)
Years of experience
<1	2 (2.2)
1–3	9 (10)
4–7	11 (12.2)
8–10	12 (13.3)
>10	56 (62.2)
Current professional grade
Staff Grade	17 (18.9)
Senior	54 (60)
Clinical Specialist	10 (11.1)
Grade not specified	8 (9)
Geographic area (Province)
Ulster	1 (1.1)
Connaught	24 (25.8)
Leinster	43 (47.8)
Munster	23 (24.7)
Work setting
Primary care	13
Private practise	8
Rehabilitation hospital	5
Paediatrics	2
Long term care	2
Cancer centre	2
Research	1

Figure 1. Frequency of interactions between respondents and patients with life-limiting illnesses (N = 89).

Table 2. Attitudes and beliefs questions (N = 90).

Synopsis of statement	Mean (SD)	Median	Variance	Range	Min.	Max.	IQ range
I believe that the majority of patients with life limiting conditions can participate in PT	4.48 (.691)	5.00	0.477	3	2	5	1.0
I feel confident in my ability to prescribe exercise to patients with life limiting conditions.	3.44 (1.007)	4.00	1.014	4	1	5	1.00
I feel comfortable discussing the psychological impact of loss of role and functional decline with patients with life limiting conditions.	3.68 (.981)	4.00	0.962	4	1	5	1.00
I feel comfortable discussing the psychological impact of loss of role and functional decline with the carers of patients with life limiting conditions	3.68 (.981)	4.00	0.962	4	1	5	1.00
I feel confident providing education to patients with life-limiting conditions within the context of my role.	3.88 (.819)	4.00	.670	4	1	5	0
I feel confident providing education to the carers of patients with life-limiting conditions within the context of my role.	3.90 (.798)	4.00	.637	4	1	5	0
My role as a physiotherapist in the management of patients with life limiting conditions is fully understood by other members of the MDT	2.93 (.859)	3.00	.737	4	1	5	2.00

Note: Likert response options: 1 = ‘strongly disagree’, 5 = ‘strongly agree’.

Table 3. Self-rated competency levels based on HSE’s Palliative Care Competency framework (N = 90).

Synopsis of statement	Mean (SD)	Median	Variance	Range	Min.	Max.	IQ range
Professional and ethical practice for patients with life limiting conditions	3.73 (.902)	4.00	.813	4	1	5	1.00
Dealing with loss, grief and bereavement	3.34 (.839)	3.00	.703	4	1	5	1.00
Optimising comfort and quality of life for patients with life limiting conditions	3.79 (.761)	4.00	.579	3	2	5	1.00
Care planning and collaborative practice for patients with life limiting conditions	3.56 (.953)	4.00	.908	3	2	5	1.00
Communication with patients with life limiting conditions and their carers	3.73 (.794)	4.00	.631	3	2	5	1.00

Note: Likert response options: 1 = ‘very poor’, 5 = ‘very good’.

Figure 2. Thematic map; barriers and facilitators to providing good quality care.