Objective

To describe the perceptions of primary care outpatients about the social image of physiotherapists and their professional role.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out in patients over 18 years of age, who were recruited from three primary care centers of Valdivia, Chile. Based on saturation data criterion, 21 participants were enrolled using purposeful sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, which were analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

Results

Two main topics emerged: "knowledge of the physiotherapist role" and "value given to the physiotherapist". The social image is still weak and not well recognized by users, since some of them only identify it once they have access to therapy. Their role in rehabilitation, skeletal disorders and respiratory therapy areas is acknowledged, assigning a differential valuation within the health team.

Conclusion

In Chile, knowledge on the essence and focus of physiotherapy is scarce, and the profession is still little visible with a field of work not fully recognized.