Perception of Community Based Rehabilitation as a Post Graduate Specialty Subject amongst Physiotherapy Students

Background: Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) (or Community Medical Sciences) is offered as a Post Graduate (PG) specialty subject to Physiotherapy graduates. The present study was undertaken to find out the perception of undergraduate (UG) physiotherapy students of CBR as a PG specialty subject.

Method: A survey of 50 students from one University was conducted using a self-made questionnaire. Observations were made&data was analyzed.

Result: 78% students want to pursue PG but only 13% out of that want to specialize in CBR. 26% students do not feel competent at all to treat cases related to CBR&21% students feel less competent to treat as compared to other specialties. But it was also seen that 29% students will opt for CBR if that is the only PG seat available which shows they are open about accepting it as a specialty&hence consider specializing.

Conclusion: It is concluded that though majority students are interested in pursuing PG degree only a few amongst them are willing to take up CBR as a specialty. However, some students are ready to specialize in CBR even if it is not their 1st choice shows that students are ready to accept this as a specialty&thus there is scope for further professional development in this area.