Perceptions of Physical Therapists and Rural Patient Care

Abstract

There is empirical evidence of poor health outcomes in rural communities due to limited access to quality healthcare and a shortage of primary healthcare providers. The physical therapy profession has demonstrated potential for filling service gaps, but the current roles of rural physical therapists and whether their education has prepared them for these roles has not been investigated. This qualitative, descriptive case study employed semi-structured interviews and field observations to investigate the unique roles of five physical therapists in rural Wisconsin and their perceived preparation for their work. The research identified four key themes regarding the roles of the participants: operating as primary care providers, employing a wide breadth of practice, creating patient-centeredness, and integrating into the community. Furthermore, three key aspects emerged concerning the readiness of physical therapists for rural practice in Wisconsin: adequate generalist preparation, insufficient health system navigation skills, and the importance of clinical rotation sites. This research enhances our understanding of physical therapy practices in rural settings, offering guidance to current rural healthcare providers and facilities. The findings also contribute to enhancing physical therapy education programs, providing guidance for the necessary skills, knowledge, dispositions, and cultural understandings students should develop for rural work environments. The study's exploratory and qualitative approach lays the groundwork for future investigations to showcase the potential influence of physical therapists on health outcomes in rural areas.