Overview
This study aims to examine the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of physical therapists regarding the integration of emotional support into the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. It further aims to determine the patients perceptions of their own rehabilitation needs, what motivates them and what acts as barriers to their motivation. Lastly, it aims to explore the physical therapists perceptions as to what enhances or hinders patients motivation for rehabilitation success.
Description
A mixed-methods approach will be used. A survey of Physical therapists working with wounded soldiers (n ≈ 100) will includes personal and professional factors and role perception, empathy, burnout and compassion. Additionally, interviews with Physical therapists and wounded soldiers (n ≈ 28) will explore factors they perceive to influence motivation for physical rehabilitation and successful recovery. All participants will receive an explanation of the research before taking part and will be asked to indicate their consent (for the survey) or sign a consent form (for the interviews). For the quantitative section, descriptive statistics will be used to process and present the data for the research variables. Hypothesis testing will be conducted using parametric or non-parametric goodness-of-fit tests, depending on the distribution of data across research measures. The significance level will be set at p < 0.05. All statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS software, version 22.
For the qualitative section, thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews will be conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- physical therapists who currently work with, or have worked with, injured servicemen in public or private rehabilitation settings.
- Injured servicemen between the ages of 18-35.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Physical therapists with more than one year of professional experience.
- Injured servicemen exclude those who suffered traumatic brain injury