Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Document Type
Thesis - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
Copyright Statement
All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.
Department
College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department
Publication Date / Copyright Date
1998
Publisher
Nova Southeastern University
NSUWorks Citation
Karen D. King. 1998. Business and Industry Perceptions of the Physical Therapist's Role in Preventing and Treating Work-Related Injuries. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (125)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/125.
Abstract
Purpose: Determine how risk managers perceive the role of PTs in preventing and treating work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Subjects: 48 FL risk managers from the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.
Methodology: Self-designed survey was first used in a pilot study (10 FL risk managers & 10 FL licensed PTs). Modification of final survey included a listing of the 5 most commonly reported health care professionals: PT, Nurse, OT, DC and MD. Total of 150 surveys mailed out. Respondents asked to rank professionals on scale of 1 to 5 (1= most competent, 5=least competent) in prevention and treatment categories.
Results: 51 surveys returned, 34% response rate. Three surveys omitted (N=48). PTs ranked highest in one prevention category: body mechanics (1.69, N=41). Nurses, occupational therapists and medical doctors received highest ranking in other prevention categories. MDs ranked highest in 7/10 treatment categories. PTs ranked highest at treating muscle strains (2.23, N=30), developing work hardening programs (1.67, N=42) and prescribing strength conditioning exercises (1.71, N=41). Overall mean ranking of PTs = 2.4.
Conclusion: PTs perceived to be fairly competent as a whole for all services targeted within this study. Further education among business and industrial communities should be utilized to improve professional image in areas where PTs were not ranked as most competent.
Disciplines
Physical Therapy