This is a general question about the roles and responsibilities of the Physiotherapy Associations in relation to the Private Practitioner sub group.

Is it, perhaps not well, appreciated that the private practitioner is the general public face of physiotherapy. Most members of the general public would not really know about all the varied roles that PT's play unless they find a loved one in hospital who is suddenly introduced to the wards physio team.

That said not many of use have loved ones in hospital and therefore most of the general public consider physio to be about treating an outpatient population. This puts our profession in the group serviced by osteopaths, chiropractors, kinesiologists, Bowen practitioners, even personal trainers! The public have a huge choice in which they choose to assist them in their health management.

Do you feel that this reality could be better addressed by your national association or group? Do you think it is party their responsibility to assist the private practitioners education of the public in a widespread manner about why they should choose a PT and why? They certainly do a lot for union style organisations within national health systems but what are they doing to promote to the general public in your country.

Offering a leaflet that the private practitioner has to buy to leave on their coffee table is not what I would call assistance. A wide spread media campaign on TV and perhaps main stream media (via television programming, soap operas etc) would be a far greater help.

Rumour has it that many private practitioner subgroups talk about going it alone as independent organisations. Unfortunately for many the membership numbers are so low that the viability is questionable. We have seen some moves in Australia on this front but what is going on in your area. Please do comment freely, in a positive or negative way. 8o

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