Comparing patients’ and physiotherapists’ views of professionalism and professional standing: an Australian perspective

Abstract

Background: Professionalism in health care comprises adherence to professional values and ethical codes, discipline-specific standards of practice and competencies, and specific expectations about appearance and social standing. Specialisation in a particular area of practice further increases expectations of professionalism and competency-based standards. Objective: To investigate, in an Australian setting, patients’ and physiotherapists’ perceptions of the features and value of professionalism in specific physiotherapy practice contexts. Major Findings: The professional standing of physiotherapists was similar to that of chiropractors, with judges, general practitioners and solicitors more..