Physiotherapy in Haiti: A qualitative study exploring local clinicians' perspectives

Background and Purpose: The physiotherapy profession in Haiti has seen many changes since the earthquake in 2010, due to the increased number of Haitians living with permanent impairments. The earthquake sparked a significant humanitarian response. Research shows that the response focused mainly on providing short-term rehabilitation services without sustained efforts to develop sustainable rehabilitation services. A decade later, little is known about the state of the Haitian physiotherapy profession. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of Haitian physiotherapy professionals regarding the current state of the profession in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Methods: We used a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. This study consisted of two phases: (1) a survey to identify potential interview participants, and identify preliminary themes to be explored in the follow-up interviews, and (2) a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews. We performed a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Results: Four physiotherapists and one rehabilitation technician participated in the interviews. Six interrelated themes emerged, each having a systemic impact on the development of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Haiti: (1) physiotherapy as an emerging field, (2) government funding and planning of physiotherapy services, (3) accessibility to physiotherapy services, (4) relationship with doctors, (5) international collaboration, and (6) Haitian physiotherapy associations. Conclusion: This study highlights the ongoing efforts of local physiotherapy associations in advocating for the profession in Haiti, which has become one of the profession's main strengths. The lack of government funding and service planning was considered a significant barrier to overcome, as was the aftermath of the earthquake's emergency response. Future international efforts could focus on supporting local physiotherapy associations and organisations in their endeavours to develop sustainable rehabilitation services.