Physiotherapists' Perceptions of Professional Ethics and Law

Abstract

Introduction: Ethics and law guide healthcare professionals, promoting trust and confidence by ensuring they act in the best interests of patients, despite navigating legal complexities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding the practice of professional ethics in Khartoum. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a purposive sample was employed. A questionnaire was distributed to 140 participants to determine their knowledge and attitudes. Results: The response rate reached 71.4% with 100 out of 140 participants (73 female, 27 male, age 26± 5.5 year). The sample was both comprehensive and representative, maintaining a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 6.9%. A substantial proportion (71%) of the physiotherapists received formal education in ethics and law as part of their undergraduate curriculum. Only 42% of participants believed that the SNCMHP significantly impacted guiding interactions between physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, particularly in public facilities and to a lesser extent in private facilities. The majority of physiotherapists (79%) concurred that SNCMHP has no control over physiotherapist service fees, while 51% think the organization has no malpractice control measures. The majority (70%) of the participants reported that SuPTA effectively contributes to increasing awareness and enhancing their knowledge of professional ethics and law. There is no clear evidence or measurement scales showing the level of alignment between the three bodies. Conclusion: Most physiotherapists in Khartoum demonstrate a good understanding and attitude towards professional ethics. Furthermore, they possess an inadequate understanding of the roles of regulatory bodies. Further research is essential to establish standardized ethics and laws in the physical therapy profession in Sudan.