Calling on the Client’s Perceptions About the Contributions of Physiotherapists Working in Occupational Health Services

BACKGROUND: Clients are the recipients of occupational health care. To date, little is known about the perceptions of clients about the contribution of physiotherapists working in occupational health services. Gathering this information is imperative to understanding and responding to clients’ needs. METHODS: An interpretative qualitative study was undertaken and face-to-face interviews were conducted with clients from 2 occupational health services situated within the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Data were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim in full. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: There were 9 clients interviewed, predominantly comprising secretaries, staff nurses, and care assistants. Thematic analysis revealed 2 main themes: vocational rehabilitation and health promotion. Clients revealed distinct subcomponents of the contribution of physiotherapists in occupational health services such as functional capacity evaluations, job demand analysis, and work-specific rehabilitation. Promoting staff health was another pertinent issue reported by clients. CONCLUSIONS: Clients clearly felt that physiotherapists made a contribution to occupational health services. This information lays the groundwork for the development of physiotherapists within occupational health services, which in turn will help clients achieve better care and health outcomes.