“I've found it's very meaningful work”: Perspectives of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe insights from interviews about the experience of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario and their perceptions of the role and value of physiotherapists' involvement in palliative care. METHODS: We conducted interviews with physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada (n = 14), and received emailed submissions from two others (one physiotherapist and one physiotherapy student) with current or recent practice experience in palliative care. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of the interview data and emailed submissions. RESULTS: Participants' reflections were categorized into three major themes: perceived value of the contribution of physiotherapists in palliative care; the experience of providing physiotherapy in palliative care; and reflections on the palliative care system. Participants described their role in palliative care as diverse, driven by patient goals and focused on the experience of patients and families. Participants perceived a high value in collaborative networks for supporting them to fulfill their role in palliative care settings. Participants also recommended efforts to increase awareness of the potential for physiotherapists to contribute to palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm those of research in other jurisdictions and extend our understanding of the value and meaningfulness of physiotherapy in palliative care, to patients, families, and physiotherapists themselves.