We are currently conducting a study, funded by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Charitable Trust, investigating physiotherapist’s attitudes and perceptions towards working with patients with a mental health diagnosis.
As part of the study physiotherapists, across all specialisms, will be invited to complete a short online survey consisting of demographic information, the 16-item Mental Illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes Scale (MICA-4) questionnaire and open/closed questions derived within the research team. Participants will also have the option to ‘opt in’ to the second stage of the study in which we will seek to expand upon the findings in stage 1 through 1-1 interviews qualitatively exploring experiences and perceptions around working with patients with mental health illness.
This project aims to identify recommendations to improve access and experience of physiotherapy for patients with mental health diagnosis and to identify strategies of supporting and increasing therapist confidence working with this population. Participation in both components of this project is entirely voluntary.
We are keen to obtain insights of physiotherapists from all specialisms and would be most grateful if you would cascade the information below within your special interest group network.
Additionally, if you could please respond to this email with your approval to share and the number of physiotherapists within your special interest network we would be very grateful.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind Regards,
Laura Hemmings
School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Birmingham
Email: L.Hemmings@bham.ac.uk
Twitter: @laurahemmingsPT