Physiotherapy: A professional profile

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper endeavours to explore physiotherapy as a profession. Fundamental concepts in the sociology of the professions are introduced, and the ‘true professions’ are distinguished from the ‘semi-professions’. Past assessments of paramedical professionalisation are reviewed, and the current practice of physiotherapy is examined in the light of accepted professional criteria and attributes, especially those of professional autonomy and the theoretical knowledge base. The implications of a female-dominated profession are considered, and related to the classic models of medicine and nursing. In conclusion, the importance of ‘professional status’ is questioned, and emphasis is laid upon the underlying ethos of ‘professionalism’.

This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit: