Table 4 Physiotherapists' views toward certification, specialisation, and extended scope practice roles
| Â | N* | Strongly agree/agree (%) | Not sure (%) | Strongly disagree/Disagree (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I would be interested in being a certified arthritis therapist | 253 | 73 (28.9) | 75 (29.6) | 105 (41.5) |
I would be interested in being a PT specializing in rheumatology | 253 | 59 (23.3) | 65 (25.7) | 129 (51.0) |
I would be interested in being a PT practitioner in rheumatology | 253 | 53 (20.9) | 57 (22.5) | 143 (56.5) |
All PTs working in rheumatology should be certified as "Arthritis/Rheumatology Therapists" | 253 | 89 (35.2) | 56 (22.1) | 108 (42.7) |
The certification process would not improve the care for people with arthritis | 255 | 28 (11.0) | 62 (24.3) | 165 (64.7) |
A Certified Arthritis Therapist should be able to interpret findings from clinical research studies | 255 | 222 (87.1) | 21 (8.2) | 12 (4.7) |
The current salary structure differentiates entry-level trained PTs, certified PTs, & PT Practitioners | 255 | 47 (18.4) | 87 (34.1) | 121 (47.5) |
I see no difference between "certification" and "specialisation" in physiotherapy | 252 | 53 (21.0) | 43 (17.1) | 156 (61.9) |
Certification can help raise the profile of PTs practicing in the arthritis field | 255 | 182 (71.4) | 48 (18.8) | 25 (9.8) |
Specialisation can help raise the profile of PTs practicing in the arthritis field | 254 | 211 (83.1) | 29 (11.4) | 14 (5.5) |
It should be mandatory for PTs specialized in arthritis to participate in research activities | 252 | 51 (20.2) | 61 (24.2) | 140 (55.6) |
In Canada, less than 20% of PTs in arthritis rehabilitation will be interested in getting certified | 254 | 47 (18.5) | 160 (63.0) | 47 (18.5) |
In Canada, less than 20% of PTs in arthritis rehabilitation will be interested in being a specialist | 253 | 53 (20.9) | 155 (61.3) | 45 (17.8) |
PTs can play an important role in screening and the early identification of arthritis | 254 | 244 (96.1) | 6 (2.4) | 4 (1.6) |
Orthopaedic PTs should be trained to triage patients for rheumatologists | 254 | 166 (65.4) | 67 (26.4) | 21 (8.3) |
All patients referred to see an orthopaedic surgeon for consultation should be first triaged by a PT with advanced arthritis training | 254 | 112 (44.1) | 90 (35.4) | 52 (20.5) |
PT Practitioners should be allowed to adjust medications and order investigative tests under the supervision of a physician | 252 | 116 (46.0) | 65 (25.8) | 71 (28.2) |
PT Practitioners should be allowed to perform injections under the supervision of a physician | 252 | 86 (34.1) | 66 (26.2) | 100 (39.7) |