Attitude and practices of obstetricians and gynecologists towards involvement of physiotherapists in management of obstetric and gynecologic conditions

BACKGROUND: The role of physiotherapists in obstetrics and gynecology is pivotal. However, utilization of their capabilities depends on the cooperation of other health professionals in discharging their services to patients, who are the focus of the team. This study was designed to assess the attitude of obstetricians and gynecologists in south-western Nigeria towards involving physiotherapists in the management of patients with obstetric and gynecologic conditions. METHODS: This was a descriptive survey of obstetricians and gynecologists from seven hospitals in south-western Nigeria. Sixty-seven participants, including 41 senior registrars and 26 consultants, participated in the study. More consultants (73.1%) than senior registrars (46.3%) had a good knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in obstetric and gynecological practice. All participants had general knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in obstetrics and gynecology, but a limited knowledge of specific conditions amenable to treatment by physiotherapists. More senior registrars had a better attitude (73.2%) than consultants (53.8%) towards involvement of physiotherapists in their practice, and 94.0% of the obstetricians and gynecologists utilized the services of physiotherapists, with referral of patients (56.7%) mainly to physiotherapists working in general/state hospitals. CONCLUSION: There is a need for better interaction and communication between physiotherapists and obstetricians and gynecologists, which could be achieved through clinical meetings, seminars, and workshops.