Perception of tertiary care clients toward the availability of physical therapy service at primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey

[Purpose] To explore the views of clients referred for physical therapy in a tertiary care setting regarding the integration of physical therapy service at primary health care centers. [Participants and Methods] A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to eligible Saudi clients. The questionnaire consisted of three sections including demographic information section; closed-ended section with 6 Likert scale items on the perceptions of potential advantages of physical therapy service at the primary health care level; and open-ended section on potential disadvantages and barriers of implementing physical therapy service. The surveys were described and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. [Results] A total of 412 participants were included in the analysis (56.8% females). Participants’ mean age was 35.7 ± 21.9 years; 67.2% were Riyadh city residents; and 38.1% had musculoskeletal conditions. Seventy-five percent responded in support for the availability of physical therapy service at the primary health care level. Demographic characteristics had no effect on the level of support to the service availability. [Conclusion] The results of this survey demonstrated high positive support for the integration of physical therapy service at primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia. However, challenges and barriers identified by the study results require attention when physical therapy services are to be established.