Perceptions of physiotherapy students regarding the management of patients with underlying mental illness in clinical practice at a university in the Western Cape

Mental illness (MI) has become one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, as nearly half of the population will experience a MI at some stage in their life. It is therefore inevitable that most healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, will encounter patients with MI in clinical practice. As physiotherapists occupy an essential role in the management of patients with MI, they need to be equipped with the knowledge, skill, as well as favourable attitudes and behaviours towards patients with MI. Physiotherapy students also require these competencies when managing patients with underlying mental illness they may encounter during their clinical training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore physiotherapy students’ perceptions regarding the management of patients with underlying MI in clinical practice. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory descriptive design was used. Data was collected through individual, audio-recorded face to face interviews, and video-recorded online interviews, using a semi structured interview guide. The study population included all final year undergraduate physiotherapy students registered at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), with 16 students agreeing to participate. Participants were purposively selected due to their clinical exposure and experience gained in clinical practice. Data was analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s six phase thematic analysis, whereby codes were identified, themes were generated and results presented textually with supporting quotes. Trustworthiness of the study was ensured by employing credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. This study was conducted according to the ethical practices pertaining to the study of human subjects as specified by the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee of UWC. Sixteen fourth year, male and female physiotherapy students with a mean age of (22.8 ±1.32 years) consented to participate in this study.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Salo, Maylene

• Clinical Practice
• Management
• Mental Health
• Mental Illness
• Perceptions

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/c9127b37-9ec7-4082-83bc-ee0707645e5f/download