Abstract
Background: An increasing number of people live with chronic diseases, driven by an ageing population. In Switzerland, 1 out of 4 people over 80 used home care services in 2023, more than 5% increase from 2020. Physiotherapists (PTs) often work independently. Their role is vital in restorative home support for physical function (Parsons et al.,2015). However, the optimal integration of independent primary care professionals, like physiotherapists, into care coordination models remains unclear.
Approach: This study explored the integration of physiotherapists in home care settings to understand their role in interprofessional collaboration, in order to identify challenges and discuss potential solutions. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists working in French-speaking Switzerland. The interview questions focused on their perceptions of interprofessional collaboration, role clarity, and professional recognition. Data were manually transcribed and analyzed thematically.
Results: Physiotherapists reported a lack of clear role definition and felt that their contributions were undervalued, despite perceiving themselves as central to patient care. Within interprofessional collaboration, their role remained unclear, and they experienced limited involvement in decision-making processes. Although they often work in close proximity to patients, their role was not clearly recognised, and they had restricted access to shared digital tools, further hindering their integration into coordinated care.
Implications: Understanding the perceptions of physiotherapists regarding their role in home care is crucial for designing a system that enhances interprofessional collaboration, involving all involved professionals, and acknowledges the unique contributions of each profession. Future research will further explore the roles of various healthcare professionals in innovative integrated care models to better allocate resources and ensure sustainable practice.