The doctor-physiotherapist relationship: the physiotherapists' perspective.

A study of the professional relationship between physicians and physiotherapists, as perceived by physiotherapists, was undertaken. An analysis of the replies of a sample of physiotherapists to 20 closed-ended questions is presented in the context of the controversy about the proper relationship between medicine and physiotherapy. The data reveal that physiotherapists wish to strengthen their bond with physicians, but are not satisfied with the performance of doctors as team leaders, consultants, and resource personnel. It is possible, the data suggest, that the physician may not be the best qualified to act as team leader in every situation, for every aspect of medical treatment, for the care of every patient.