Experiences of Physiotherapists with Physical Disabilities

Summary: This study was undertaken to investigate the working situation of physiotherapists who acquire a physical disability after starting training or employment. The aim was to increase awareness among health-care professionals regarding the positive as well as the negative side of disability. The study took the form of a self-completed questionnaire on the effects of physical disability on work ability, working relationships, employment and the individuals' views concerning disability. The questionnaire was completed by 23 physiotherapists with a range of physical disabilities who volunteered to participate. Findings indicate that being a disabled physiotherapist has advantages and disadvantages, eg on the one hand, relationships with patients appear to be enhanced, while on the other hand job prospects diminish. The majority felt that their competence as physiotherapists was not affected. Biography: Carmel O'Hare qualified as a physiotherapist in 1990 with an honours degree in physiotherapy from the Polytechnic of East London. She now works as a junior physiotherapist in Enniskillen. This paper is based on her final-year research project. Diane Thomson qualified as a physiotherapist in 1966 from King's College School of Physiotherapy and completed her physiotherapy teaching diploma in 1971. While working as a teacher she gained her MSc in behavioural biology and health care at the University of Surrey in 1989. She is now a senior lecturer in the Institute of Health and Rehabilitation at the Polytechnic of East London and is an accredited counsellor of the Westminster Pastoral Foundation. She was the superviser of Carmel O'Hare's final-year project.