Community-based Physiotherapy in Western India: Some Findings from Surveys

Purpose: The aim of this seven-year project was to understand the perceptions of different client populations (including physiotherapists) towards community health and rehabilitation methods and identify the "gaps" in the existing system. Method: A series of surveys were conducted on several populations with functional disabilities in different parts of western India. Results: It was found that community physiotherapists with adequate motivation, knowledge and skills are insufficient in number. It appears that the community at large is in need of cost-effective preventive strategies to deal with the health problems. Future research should identify the interests of community physiotherapists, and provide adequate resources to increase their existing numbers.