PARTICIPATION LEVEL OF NIGERIAN PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH

Abstract

Research is a systematic process ofinvestigation with thepurpose ofcontribution to the body ofknowledge that helps to shape and guide an academic and/or clinical discipline. This study irivestigated the participation level of selected Nigerian physiotherapists in clinical research. Clinic physiotherapists from one orthopaedic, 4 teaching and 2 general hospitals in south western Nigeria participated in this study. A 21-item, structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to obtain information such as: research training and publication history; beliefs and attitudes of respondents to research. Factors hindering or facilitating their participation in research were also investigated. Data were analysed using mean and frequency percentage. Seventy-two (72%) duly completed questionnaires were returned. Sixty-nine (95.8%) of the respondents had research training and submitted dissertations at their undergraduate training level; 31 (43%) had never done any post-basic research work, while only 14 (19.4 %) had had one or more publications in professional journals. Lack of research funds (83.7%), poor library facilities (65.3%), lack ofnecessary equipment (62.2%), time constraints (55.1 %), and lack of prerequisite training to carry out research work (16.3%) were some of the factors that hindered their participation in research. The study concluded that Nigerian physiotherapists appreciate the relevance of research to their clinical practice, in spite ofthe rather low level of participation. It was recommended that clinicians should be encouraged to undergo postgraduate training, and attend seminars and Workshops to sharpen their research skills. It is also important that they are well educated about the possibilities of simple non equipment-based clinical studies.