Access to physical therapy services among medically underserved adults: a mixed-method study

Abstract

Background and objectives: This mixed-method case study examined access issues related to physical therapy services among medically underserved adults within an Ohio community.

Design: Three community health care clinics served as the units of analysis.

Methods: Eleven health care providers and 110 patients participated in the study, and documents from local, state, and national resources were reviewed.

Results: Results revealed that structural, utilization of care, and outcome barriers existed. A lack of accessible physical therapy providers for medically underserved adults and a lack of standardized screening or assessment processes to identify physical mobility problems among people with chronic health conditions were found. Inadequate knowledge about the full scope of physical therapist practice existed, which may impede access to those individuals most in need of services.

Conclusions: Opportunities are present for physical therapist involvement in screening, wellness and prevention, consultation, education, and program development among medically underserved adults. However, challenges exist due to a lack of human and financial resources and the current structure of our health care system, which focuses on acute and chronic care rather than prevention.