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Article

Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study

1
Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Odontology, Umea University, 90187 Umea, Sweden
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3406; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103406
Submission received: 27 February 2020 / Revised: 1 April 2020 / Accepted: 1 April 2020 / Published: 13 May 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health Psychology)

Abstract

Background: Health professionals, including physical therapists (PTs), are known to migrate for better jobs, as well as for personal and professional development. However, this involves risks of maladjustment, discrimination, and exploitation. We conducted this study to investigate the experiences of overseas trained PTs in Saudi Arabia (SA) and their perceptions about physical therapy practice and problems regarding the profession in the country. Methods: A questionnaire and accompanying explanation of the study was sent to 175 members of the Saudi Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) working in SA who had been trained outside SA and had a minimum of one year of work experience before moving to SA. Results: One hundred and fifty (86%) respondents completed the questionnaire. Among the respondents, the majority had more than five years of work experience after moving to SA. While 54% of the respondents reported that they were satisfied with their work experiences in SA, the remaining respondents reported their dissatisfaction for various reasons. Conclusions: With the increase in aged population and rise in disability, the need for PTs has simultaneously increased in the health care sector around the world, including in SA. Until PTs of local origin are ready to fill the requirements, the services of PTs from other countries will be required in SA. Although the majority of respondents reported having positive work experiences in SA, the negative aspects and challenges faced by PTs in SA have also been highlighted in this study. These problems need to be addressed in order to promote the development of a better and more holistic approach to patient care.
Keywords: experiences; physical therapists; Saudi Arabia; migration; health care experiences; physical therapists; Saudi Arabia; migration; health care

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MDPI and ACS Style

Alghadir, A.H.; Zafar, H.; Iqbal, Z.A. Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 3406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103406

AMA Style

Alghadir AH, Zafar H, Iqbal ZA. Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(10):3406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103406

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alghadir, Ahmad H., Hamayun Zafar, and Zaheen A. Iqbal. 2020. "Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 10: 3406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103406

APA Style

Alghadir, A. H., Zafar, H., & Iqbal, Z. A. (2020). Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103406

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