MacPherson Meghan M, MacArthur Lauren, Jadan Patrick, Glassman Leah, Bouzubar Fawzi F, Hamdan Elham, Landry Michel D
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Physiother Res Int. 2013 Mar;18(1):37-46. doi: 10.1002/pri.1527. Epub 2012 Jun 15.
Since the end of the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world and one that has a highly socialized health-care system. This rapid growth and socio-economic development appears to have had a negative impact on the health of its people. As such, the profession of physiotherapy may be in a unique position to address this issue by providing health behaviour interventions and promoting healthy lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to explore the current state of physiotherapy in Kuwait and provide recommendations for future development and growth.
Using a qualitative research approach, we conducted 17 key informant interviews (clinicians, administrators and other key stakeholders) in Kuwait. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats framework was then used to categorize the emerging themes and provide a basis for a strategic direction for the profession.
Informants reported that strengths included funding for services and motivation of professionals. Weaknesses included education and professional resources, marketing/advocacy, standardization and regulation of practice. Opportunities discussed were untapped demand for physiotherapy services, internal development and evolution of the physiotherapy association, along with professional collaboration. Threats addressed included low public awareness of physiotherapy, challenges with inter-professional practice/communication, and cultural perspectives of healthy lifestyles.
Our research indicates that many unique opportunities exist for physiotherapists in Kuwait. Further development and evolution of Kuwait's physiotherapy professional association could facilitate efforts to advocate for the profession, initiate standards of practice and provide enhanced opportunities for professional collaboration.
自1991年海湾战争结束以来，科威特已成为世界上最富有的国家之一，拥有高度社会化的医疗保健系统。这种快速增长和社会经济发展似乎对其人民的健康产生了负面影响。因此，物理治疗专业可能处于独特地位，可通过提供健康行为干预措施和促进健康生活方式来解决这一问题。本研究的目的是探讨科威特物理治疗的现状，并为未来的发展和增长提供建议。
我们采用定性研究方法，在科威特对17名关键信息提供者（临床医生、管理人员和其他关键利益相关者）进行了访谈。然后使用优势、劣势、机会和威胁框架对新出现的主题进行分类，并为该专业的战略方向提供依据。
信息提供者报告称，优势包括服务资金和专业人员的积极性。劣势包括教育和专业资源、营销/宣传、实践的标准化和监管。讨论的机会包括对物理治疗服务的未开发需求、物理治疗协会的内部发展和演变以及专业合作。应对的威胁包括公众对物理治疗的认识不足、跨专业实践/沟通方面的挑战以及健康生活方式的文化观念。
我们的研究表明，科威特的物理治疗师存在许多独特的机会。科威特物理治疗专业协会的进一步发展和演变可以促进为该专业进行宣传的努力，制定实践标准，并提供更多的专业合作机会。
