Physician knowledge of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the public health system, Metropolitan Region, Chile

Abstract

More than one billion people in the world live with a disability. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), or Physiatry, is a medical specialty with a transdisciplinary approach that is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with disabilities (PD). The international literature reports that a significant number of people with disabilities have not received proper handling and support; this may be partly due to lack of knowledge concerning PMR.

Objective: To explore the existing knowledge of PMR among physicians working in the public health system (PHS) of the metropolitan region (MR), Chile.

Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. A validated survey was applied to physicians in 27health centers in the MR.

Results: 131 physicians from different specialties responded to the survey: 24.07% of their patients corresponded to PD. 39.7% of respondents answered they "never" refer patients to the physiatrist and 74.8% admitted not being completely familiar with the areas involved in PMR.

Conclusion: Knowledge about PMR among respondents is partial. Specific areas of the physiatrist's role and institutions in which they work at are unknown. A significant number of patients might not be receiving opportune physiatric evaluation and rehabilitation, possibly perpetuating or even exacerbating their initial condition. Mechanisms for disseminating this medical branch among health teams should be created for a better understanding and integration of rehabilitation in Chile.