To what extent are work-related factors integrated into physiotherapy practice? Insights from a survey of Canadian physiotherapists

INTRODUCTION: Disability can significantly impact a person's capacity to work and may lead to potentially life-threatening difficulties. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to address occupational issues for individuals with physical disabilities. However, it remains unclear to what extent Canadian physiotherapists integrate work-related factors in their clinical reasoning and practice. OBJECTIVE: To gather Canadian physiotherapists' perceptions regarding the integration of work-related factors into their clinical practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was disseminated among physiotherapy professionals in Canada working with employed disabled individuals. RESULTS: A total of 191 eligible physiotherapists participated. Seventy percent (n = 134) of them reported regularly addressing work-related factors in their practice, with most feeling efficient in doing so. However, only 14% (n = 27) to 30% (n = 57) did often address more complex factors in their practice, such as the psychosocial factors and those that are related to workplace and on-site evaluations. Identified barriers include limited access to standardized assessment questionnaires. The development of Canadian-specific return-to-work guidelines is also perceived as an avenue to mitigate these barriers. CONCLUSION: Canadian physiotherapists might be able to support employed disabled individuals, but they require enhanced support to fully integrate work-related factors into practice. Conclusions should be taken with caution as the results are self-reported.