Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting Physiotherapists and minority group patients' relationship.
Methods: This study applied a systematic review design and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to conduct this study. Three databases were systematically searched including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL. The studies had to be in the English language and done in the UK from 1995-2022. The studies that met criteria were presented in a data extraction sheet for further thematic analysis.
Results: Of the 44 articles retrieved from the primary search, a total of 2 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Major themes identified were language barriers, affecting understanding, rapport, and trust. Gender preferences and cultural awareness were other themes which emerged. Additionally, many Physiotherapists lack understanding of their patients' beliefs, preferences, and attitudes towards rehabilitation and recovery.
Conclusion: The study has identified gaps and areas for improvement in positively enhancing the relationship between Physiotherapists and minority group patients. Recommendations include increasing employment of Physiotherapist from diverse backgrounds through education initiative and promotion of the profession, promoting single-sex exercise groups and having Ethnic Minority Groups (EMG) focused modules in degree programmes.
Keywords
Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy, Ethnic minority patients, Ethnic minority groups, UK