Table 2 Responses of veterinary surgeons (n = 77) to 11 statements relating to animal physiotherapy
From: Perceptions of animal physiotherapy amongst Irish veterinary surgeons
Statement | Strongly agree N (%) | Agree N (%) | Neither N (%) | Disagree N (%) | Strongly disagree N (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appropriate career path: qualification as chartered physiotherapist then post graduate APT qualification | 27 (35) | 37 (48) | 6 (8) | 5 (6) | 2 (3) |
Interested in learning more about APT | 23 (30) | 46 (60) | 5 (6) | 2 (3) | 1 (1) |
APT often used as last resort | 7 (9) | 28 (36) | 16 (21) | 21 (27) | 5 (7) |
Register of chartered APTs should be set up in Rep. of Ireland | 37 (48) | 34 (44) | 4 (5) | 2 (3) | 0 (0) |
Cost of APT does not deter animal owners from seeking treatment | 11 (14) | 42 (55) | 7 (9) | 16 (21) | 1 (1) |
APTs should have the right of first referral | 4 (5) | 17 (22) | 18 (23) | 31 (41) | 7 (9) |
APTs unable to assess musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in animals | 4 (5) | 21 (27) | 19 (25) | 26 (34) | 7 (9) |
Willing to allow an APT to choose their own treatment | 17 (22) | 53 (69) | 4 (5) | 3 (4) | 0 (0) |
Good communication between VS and APT is unnecessary for effective management of animals | 7 (9) | 4 (5) | 2 (3) | 26 (34) | 38 (49) |
More research should be published on APT | 30 (39) | 44 (57) | 2 (3) | 1 (1) | 0 (0) |
VS and APTs working in joint practices would enhance liaison between both professions | 28 (36) | 45 (59) | 4 (5) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |