Nuengnuch Chuecharoen. Understanding of physical therapists' roles in special school system in Thailand . Master's Degree(Physical Therapy). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Understanding of physical therapists' roles in special school system in Thailand
Abstract:
A physical therapy service has been introduced in the special school system of
Thailand, as a related service. However, roles of and services deliveried by physical
therapists in the special school system have not been taken seriously. This study,
therefore, surveyed understanding of roles and services of licensed physical therapists
in the special school system by using a questionnaire.
Questionnaires were mailed to 125 special school administrators, 300 teachers
and 26 licensed physical therapists who were currently working with children with
special needs in school settings (N = 451). The survey was conducted between May
and July 2004. All participants were asked to return the questionnaires within two
weeks. A postcard reminder was mailed to those who did not respond after the first
two weeks. A second questionnaire followed in the fourth week after the first
questionnaire was sent. Three hundred and thirty questionnaires were returned (73.2%
response rate). This survey study revealed that 88-96% of the special school
administrators and teachers knew the physical therapists’ roles and services in special
school settings. In addition, 99-100% of the licensed physical therapists knew their
own roles and services. Although most respondents reportedly knew what licensed
physical therapists provide in both direct and indirect services, some services were not
requested by school personnel or not provided by the licensed physical therapists
appropriately. These services are essential for allowing students with disabilities to
participate in activities in special school environments. Many respondents (70.5%)
reportedly had other persons provide physical therapy services instead of licensed
physical therapists. The possible reasons are a lack of good intercommunication,
adherence to a medical therapy model rather than educational therapy model, and
insufficient perception of significance of licensed physical therapists in a special
educational environment. Therefore, an important factor in successful management
and physical therapy service delivery in special educational environments is
recognition and understanding of the significance of the physical therapists’ roles as a
special education team member.