Physical therapy education in Saudi Arabia

Knowledge and attitude toward transcranial magnetic stimulation among rehabilitation specialists in Saudi Arabia

Research has demonstrated the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in rehabilitation. TMS has been widely used in clinical and research settings for individuals with and without neurological dysfunctions. Therefore, understanding the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists regarding TMS is crucial for its application. To our knowledge, no such studies have previously been conducted in the rehabilitation field. Therefore, this study is the first to assess rehabilitation specialists' knowledge of and attitudes toward TMS. An observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted among 102 rehabilitation specialists to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding TMS application in rehabilitation sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists toward TMS and examine the impact of different factors such as gender, education level, acceptability, and practice on these outcomes. Rehabilitation specialists who participated in this study showed a limited level of general knowledge of TMS in rehabilitation (7.81 ± 6.20, 37.19%). However, a significant association between educational levels and knowledge was found. Higher knowledge scores were observed for specialists with post-graduate degrees compared to those with only a bachelor's degree. Moreover, knowledge level, experience, and availability of TMS equipment in the workplace led to a positive attitude toward TMS among rehabilitation specialists. A low knowledge level among rehabilitation specialists was attributed to their level of education. Nevertheless, specialists showed an overall positive attitude toward TMS. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate TMS theory and applications into neuroscience and rehabilitation courses for rehabilitation specialists as it holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool.

Satisfaction and attitudes towards online continuous medical education and its impact on clinical practice among physiotherapists

BACKGROUND

The traditional face-to-face of medical education is gradually being replaced with online education. However, the rate of adoption of online continuing medical education (OCME) as a learning method among practicing clinical physiotherapists (PTs) is unclear. The objectives of this study were to measure the satisfaction with, attitudes towards, and impact of OCME among practicing clinical PTs in Saudi Arabia (SA) and to examine the factors that affect the findings for satisfaction, attitude, and impact towards OCME.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. PTs employed at various medical facilities and specialties in Saudi Arabia completed an online survey to assess satisfaction with, attitudes towards, and impact of OCME.

RESULTS

Of the 127 participants, 48 were female (37.8%), 44.1% were aged between 24 and 30 years. Overall, 57.5% of the respondents were satisfied with OCME compared with conventional face-to-face education, and 45.7% agreed and 18.1% strongly agreed that OCME was more flexible. Further, 52.8% of the respondents thought that OCME programs could supplement traditional face-to-face education. The majority of the participants (63.8%) agreed that participating in OCME programs increased their knowledge, and 55.1% and 51.2% agreed that attending these programs improved patient outcomes and increased their confidence in patient management, respectively. However, only 38.6% agreed that participating in OCME programs enhanced their clinical expertise. The mean satisfaction, attitude, and impact scores differed significantly according to age group, marital status, number of years of practice, and specialty (p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed that older age was independently associated with better satisfaction and more positive attitudes and impact. Further, having a specialization also seemed to improve the impact of OCME.

CONCLUSION

The PTs were satisfied with and had positive attitudes towards OCME, and also found that it had a positive impact on their clinical practice. Thus, existing OCME programs are a good option for expanding the number of PTs proficient in clinical care.

A preliminary exploration of attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to physical therapists' practices in ordering diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic imaging (DI) studies are useful resources for examining musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. When DI is used appropriately, it is an important tool for physical therapists (PTs).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to PTs' practices in referring to DI in Saudi Arabia (SA).

METHODS

For this quantitative cross-sectional study, an online self-reported questionnaire was designed and distributed. A total of 138 PTs participated in the study.

RESULTS

Although most PTs had access to DI, few reported being able to order DI. The PTs demonstrated positive attitudes regarding their ability to refer patients for DI. Nevertheless, some PTs have adopted several beliefs and awareness of PTs regarding the clinical appropriateness of referring to DI, which may increase the unnecessary utilisation of DI requests. More than half of the PTs in this study reported that they were unfamiliar with the clinical rules used for prescribing imaging.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights recommendations to improve PTs' practices towards DI in SA, such as providing more DI courses targeting PTs and including clinical rules within DI education in undergraduate studies. Furthermore, a clear governmental policy is needed to permit PTs to refer to DI when specific criteria are met.

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Practice in Paediatric Subdiscipline: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

This cross-sectional study explored the behaviour, knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and perceived barriers of paediatric physiotherapists practising in Saudi Arabia regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). Sixty-eight paediatric physiotherapists from Saudi Arabia participated. Data were collected by electronic questionnaire and the Likert scale was used to score knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and barriers to EBP implementation. Approximately 78% of the participants were motivated to use EBP in their daily practise and 82.3% have reported the use of best scientific evidence in their clinical practise. Participants with higher database usage over the last 6 months showed significant association with EBP knowledge scores (t = 2.46, p = 0.01), skills and resources scores (t = 3.81, p < 0.001), and opinion scores (t = 2.43, p = 0.01). Furthermore, a higher level of education in participants was significantly associated with EBP knowledge scores (t = 2.41, p = 0.01). Most paediatric physiotherapists believed that EBP is essential in their clinical practise as it improves patient care and quality of health services. Difficulty in obtaining full-text papers and lack of time were identified as major barriers to implementing EBP followed by the lack of management support, motivation in research, and EBP training.

Prevalence and Determinants of Knowledge of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Providers and Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia and considered the 3rd reason for hospital visits across the country. Despite their prevalence, the adequacy of knowledge in diagnosing and treating MSDs has not been assessed. The purpose of this study is to assess MSD knowledge amongst healthcare providers (orthopedists, physicians, and physical therapists) and medical and physical therapy students and interns.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a web-based 25-question MSD test was given to licensed physical therapists, primary care physicians and orthopedists, as well as final-year physical therapy and medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. Two multivariable linear regression analysis models were used to determine MSD test score differences amongst (1) orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists and (2) amongst medical and physical therapy students and interns.

Results

A total of 680 participants were included (response rate is 22.7%). The overall MSD test score was 48.2%, and the passing rate was 14%. Model 1 showed that orthopedist’s group had a significantly higher mean score on MSD test than physical therapists (t₄₈₂= 8.12, p < 0.001) and primary care physician (t₄₈₂= 6.00, p < 0.05). However, primary care physician scores did not significantly differ from physical therapy group (t₄₈₂= 6.47, p = 0.07). Model 2 showed that medical interns had significantly higher mean score on MSD test than physical therapy students (t₂₄₀=4.46, p < 0.001), physical therapy interns (t₂₄₀= 4.7, p < 0.05), and medical students (t₂₄₀= 2.79, p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between medical students and physical therapy interns (t₂₄₀= 2.5, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between medical students and physical therapy students.

Conclusion

Except for orthopedists, the MSD knowledge appears inadequate amongst healthcare providers, medical and physical therapy students and interns in Saudi Arabia. To improve knowledge in MSDs, increasing content of MSDs in undergraduate education and postgraduate training is necessary.

Exploring Saudi Physical Therapists' Perceptions and Opinions on Their Profession: A Mixed-Method Study

Methods

A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was employed. Practicing PTs and PT students were recruited to fill out a self-administered questionnaire to rank nine different professions (including PT) across different dimensions. Further, participants reported on their job satisfaction and participated in a semistructured interview regarding their responses.

Results

A total of 175 individuals participated in this study. The physical therapy profession was rated 6^th on level of education, last (9^th) on level of income and level of social standing, 5^th on level of responsibility, and 3^rd on level of usefulness. In the overall occupational prestige, the physical therapy profession was ranked the lowest compared to the other professions. Lastly, the data from the semistructured interviews corroborated the findings identified from the quantitative aspect of our study. Discussion. The overall results of the study indicate that the current perceived level of occupational prestige among Saudi PTs and PT students is somewhat disappointing. Participants generally viewed their profession in a low occupational prestige status, which is in contrast to previous studies conducted in other countries. While some of these results can be explained by the nature and history of the profession in Saudi Arabia, Academic institutions and policy makers should make an effort to promote the occupational prestige of the physical therapy profession.

Assessing Physical Therapy Knowledge amongst the New Graduates in Saudi Arabia: Competency Examination across the Nation

Given the increasing demand for more trained physical therapists in providing care to patients in Saudi Arabia, it has become vital to adequately assess individual physical therapy graduate academic learning and performance. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the knowledge and skills of Saudi PT graduates. A competency examination adapted from a practice test that is commercially available and simulates the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) was conducted. Out of 398 Saudi physical therapists that were approached with the examination link, 149 PT graduates consented to the study. Seventy questions were randomly selected by two individuals familiar with the content of PT programs in the United States and Saudi Arabia. The content outline of the selected questions followed the NPTE recommendations for body systems and non-systems. Each question was multiple choice with four answers. The examination was distributed electronically. Each participant was given 90 min to complete the examination. The passing score was set at 55%. Out of 149, only 6six (4.02%) participants passed the examination with an average passing score of 67% (range: 56–96%). In the primary domains of body systems, the score was highest in the endocrine domain (55.1%), followed by the integumentary (42.18%) and the neurology (40.9%) domains. In the non-system, participants had the highest score in the professionalism domain (89.8%). The highest mean knowledge score was obtained in the field of assessment (38.57%). PT graduates from Saudi Arabia performed poorly in the examination, demonstrating weak domain knowledge and skills.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceptions of the Diagnosis and Management of Fibromyalgia Among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Aim

To explore awareness of the diagnostic criteria and management of fibromyalgia (FM) among physical therapists practicing in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically among musculoskeletal physical therapists. It was designed based on the research literature relevant to FM and reviewed by two rheumatologists for accuracy and comprehension. The survey included two sections: participants' demographic information and questions related to FM. The data were described using absolute and relative frequencies.

Results

A total of 234 physical therapists accepted the invitation to participate in the study, and 52 were excluded for not satisfying the inclusion criteria or not completing the survey. Responses were received from March to May 2020; only 118 (65%) respondents completed the FM section. The average age of the participants was 31.2 (SD=6.9) years, and 36% were females. Eighty percent reported seeing fewer than five patients with FM in the past year; 51% acquired FM-related knowledge through self-learning; half reported having little to no confidence in their FM assessments and management; and less than 20% were familiar with common diagnostic criteria and management guidelines for FM.

Conclusion

Participating physical therapists showed little awareness of or confidence in the assessment and management of patients with FM; moreover, their awareness was not supported by their adherence to recent FM guidelines. Despite the common practice of referring patients with FM for physical therapy, there are many misconceptions about FM. This study highlights the need for educational programs to provide up-to-date evidence in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Knowledge, Attitude and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice among Physiotherapists Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The current study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice among physiotherapists working in Saudi Arabia. A sample of physiotherapists working in various outpatient settings in Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. Sixty-four therapists (30 females, 34 males) completed a 28-item survey questionnaire. Approximately half of the participants indicated that evidence-based practice was useful and important for clinical practice. About 60% of the participants reported that they have adopted the evidence-based practice on a regular basis. Participants who had a membership in a physiotherapy organization and had advanced degrees showed more positive attitudes (t = −2.31, p = 0.02 and t = −2.15, p = 0.04, respectively) and greater levels of knowledge (t = −2.32, p = 0.02 and t = −3.86, p = 0.001, respectively) regarding evidence-based practice terminology. Furthermore, place of training (trained overseas) was associated with a positive attitude towards literature findings (t = 2.26, p = 0.03). The results of this study demonstrated that participants reported that evidence-based practice had not been extensively implemented, despite positive attitudes regarding its implementation among physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia.

Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study

Background: Health professionals, including physical therapists (PTs), are known to migrate for better jobs, as well as for personal and professional development. However, this involves risks of maladjustment, discrimination, and exploitation. We conducted this study to investigate the experiences of overseas trained PTs in Saudi Arabia (SA) and their perceptions about physical therapy practice and problems regarding the profession in the country. Methods: A questionnaire and accompanying explanation of the study was sent to 175 members of the Saudi Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) working in SA who had been trained outside SA and had a minimum of one year of work experience before moving to SA. Results: One hundred and fifty (86%) respondents completed the questionnaire. Among the respondents, the majority had more than five years of work experience after moving to SA. While 54% of the respondents reported that they were satisfied with their work experiences in SA, the remaining respondents reported their dissatisfaction for various reasons. Conclusions: With the increase in aged population and rise in disability, the need for PTs has simultaneously increased in the health care sector around the world, including in SA. Until PTs of local origin are ready to fill the requirements, the services of PTs from other countries will be required in SA. Although the majority of respondents reported having positive work experiences in SA, the negative aspects and challenges faced by PTs in SA have also been highlighted in this study. These problems need to be addressed in order to promote the development of a better and more holistic approach to patient care.

Patient satisfaction with outpatient physical therapy in Saudi Arabia

Background

Patient satisfaction (PS) is a key measure of the quality and outcome of healthcare systems which reflects patients’ experiences. The purpose of this study was to assess overall PS with outpatient physical therapy (PT) care in Saudi Arabia and identify associated characteristics and components.

Methods

Four hundred patients who received PT treatment during 2017 were invited to participate in this study. The MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Physical Therapy Care (MRPS) was used to assess PS.

Results

The average age of 358 (90%) respondents was 38.1 (SD 12.7) years, and a majority (77%) of them were female. At least 76% respondents reported feeling better after PT treatment, while the mean global satisfaction score of all respondents as per the MRPS was 3.56, indicating high satisfaction.

Conclusion

PT is still at an early stage of development in Saudi Arabia and is an integral part of the healthcare sector. PS is the key to identify areas for improvement and provide high quality healthcare to the public.

Pain neurophysiology knowledge among physical therapy students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Pain is a leading cause of disability and accounts for many hospital and physical therapy visits. Current pain science understanding has evolved and changed substantially in the past 20 years; however, university health science curricula may not have progressed at the same rate. This study aimed to examine knowledge about pain neurophysiology among physical therapy students in Saudi Arabia, and to compare their knowledge across different education levels and by gender.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study conducted to examine the pain neurophysiology knowledge among college physical therapy students in Saudi Arabia. The Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (12 items) was used. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the sample. Analysis of variance and t-test were also used to examine the significant differences between scores.

RESULTS

Physical therapy students (n = 202) from 18 different universities in Saudi Arabia participated in this study. The mean score of the participants on the questionnaire was 6.20 ± 2.07 (i.e., 52% ± 17%) and there was no significance difference between males and females. There was a statistically significant incremental increase in total score through the educational process (P < 0.05); however, this increase was very small comparing early- and final educational-level students (8% in RNPQ).

CONCLUSION

While final year physical therapy students showed higher levels of pain science knowledge than those at the beginning of their course, the magnitude of the difference was small and likely of little meaningful relevance. This may reflect the need for more emphasis on pain science in the physical therapy curriculum in Saudi Arabia.

Physiotherapists' behaviour, attitudes, awareness, knowledge and barriers in relation to evidence-based practice implementation in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Aim:

The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is extremely important and plays a vital role in healthcare practice. There have been few studies concerning the level of healthcare provided to patients in Saudi Arabia, using EBP as an indicator. This study is aimed at investigating physiotherapists’ behaviour, attitudes, awareness and knowledge about EBP, along with barriers that curb the implementation of EBP.

Methods:

A sample of convenience was used and an online survey consisting of 14 closed-ended questions was given to both clinical and academic physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia from May to October 2016. Data regarding demographics, behaviour, attitudes, awareness, knowledge, previous formal training and barriers to implementation of EBP were recorded. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 19.

Results:

A total of 604 physiotherapists participated in the survey, out of which 385 respondents provided complete data. Nine participants were undergraduate physiotherapy students or not physiotherapists and their responses were excluded. The final number of participants included in data analysis was 376. The majority of the participants were men (60.4%) and most of them had completed their bachelor degree (66.2%). Although most physiotherapists reported a positive attitude towards the use of research in practice, there were many who were unfamiliar with the terms and implementation of EBP. The majority of physiotherapists had no formal EBP training (70.2%) in universities or any authorized training centres. According to the responses collected, the most important barrier to the implementation of EBP was insufficient teaching in previous education (43.1%), followed by lack of research knowledge and skills (36.4%). The study revealed that there was a significant association between physiotherapists’ attitude and their education level, while no significant associations were identified based on other demographic data. In addition, there were significant associations between physiotherapists’ awareness and knowledge and demographics such as education level, work setting, job title and previous training in EBP.

Conclusion:

There is a prominent gap in terms of understanding and applying the concept of EBP among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia. Given that the majority of practicing physiotherapists reported no formal training in EBP, there is a need to integrate concepts related to EBP into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. In addition, strategies must be developed and implemented to encourage practicing physiotherapists for gaining knowledge and proficiency in EBP.

Factors affecting the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services by physicians in Saudi Arabia

[Purpose] To investigate physicians’ attitudes, opinions and experiences towards physiotherapy services as well as to identify the potential factors that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services (based on physicians’ beliefs) in Saudi Arabia (SA). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted. [Results] A total of 108 respondents met the inclusion criteria. The respondents’ attitude towards physiotherapy was slightly low (53.5%), while their opinions and experiences of physiotherapy indicated some important issues. For example, 50% of them believed that physiotherapists did not create a good awareness about physiotherapy services and 55.5% admitted that they did not have enough information about physiotherapy services. The most potential factor reported by physicians that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services was the lack of physiotherapist’s skills and knowledge to assess and treat patients (55.3%), followed by the limited knowledge of physicians regarding the types of physiotherapy services (44.5%) and the lack of cooperation between physicians and physiotherapists (40.7%). [Conclusion] There were some factors that limited the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services in SA. Physiotherapy academics and clinicians should attempt to change physicians’ negative attitudes, promoting awareness to provide them with a better understanding of physiotherapy services.

Awareness, perceptions and beliefs about physiotherapy held by physicians working in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

[Purpose] Over the years physiotherapy has been recognized as a popular mode of treatment that decreases the disability and dependency rate of patients. However, there is still a need for its recognition in multidisciplinary health care structures. If a physician were well aware of how a physical therapist could help with treatment if patients and prevent complications, hospital patient load could be decreased to a greater extent. The aim of this study was to study the awareness, perception and beliefs of physicians working in Saudi Arabia about physiotherapy. [Subjects and Methods] Three hundred fifteen members of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) with different specialties, nationalities, designation, and work experience, working in various hospitals in 5 regions of Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in this study. A 22-item questionnaire was used for data collection including sections on physicians’ demographics, educational levels and knowledge about physiotherapy. [Results] After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data from 280 respondents was used for analysis. Seventy-five percent of respondents reported to having some knowledge of physiotherapy, and 11% of them referred patients to physiotherapy departments regularly, while 14% referred patients occasionally. To the best of our knowledge, this is first study performed in Saudi Arabia to evaluate awareness of physicians about the physiotherapy profession. [Conclusion] The results of this study highlight the need to organize various workshops and lectures about the effectiveness of physiotherapy in various diseases for physicians, on a regular basis, to update them with evidence-based treatment. It is the responsibility of physical therapists to raise the perceptions of other healthcare professionals about their profession.

Work-Related Low Back Pain Among Physical Therapists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem. Professions like physical therapy (PT), involving frequent lifting, bending, or standing, are at risk for developing LBP. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related LBP and factors associated with and consequences of work-related LBP among physical therapists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered online questionnaire (i.e., demographic data, history of LBP before and after working as a physical therapist, work setting, and effect on daily activities) was sent to 600 members of the Saudi PT association. Data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. Eighty-eight percent of potential respondents completed the questionnaire. Of these, 89.65% of the therapists reported LBP after beginning their PT practice, and 35.6% reported LBP at the time of this survey. Gender, PT specialty, and duration of contact with patients were all found to be related to LBP. The prevalence of work-related LBP among physical therapist in Riyadh was high, affecting patient care and daily activities of the therapists. Both primary and secondary prevention strategies (e.g., introduce ergonomics into PT curricula, reduce therapist stress, and promote teamwork) are needed to decrease LBP among therapists, so they can effectively care for patients.

The emerging role of respiratory physiotherapy: A profile of the attitudes of nurses and physicians in Saudi Arabia

CONTEXT

Respiratory physiotherapy plays a key role in the management and treatment of patients with respiratory diseases worldwide, yet this specialty is not well established in Saudi Arabia.

AIMS

To profile the attitudes among physicians and nurses toward physiotherapists working in respiratory care settings in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed consisting of 23 items, which was distributed both electronically and in paper form to physicians and nurses working in hospitals and health-care centers in Saudi Arabia. Physicians and nurses working outside of Saudi Arabia, and other health professionals, were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

A total of 284 questionnaires were returned (nurses: n = 158; physicians: n = 126). The majority believed that physiotherapists have the skills to be involved in respiratory care (79.9%, n = 226) and that physiotherapists are an important member of the Intensive Care Unit team (90.4%, n = 255). Most respondents (n = 232, 82.9%) felt in need of more information regarding the role of physiotherapy within respiratory care; significantly more nurses than physicians believed they needed additional education (P = 0.002). Specialized physicians were more likely than nonspecialized physicians to refer respiratory patients to physiotherapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapy in respiratory care settings was positively regarded by nurses and physicians working in hospitals and health-care facilities in Saudi Arabia. The need for further education for physicians and nurses on the role of physiotherapy in respiratory care was highlighted; this would enable physiotherapy to develop and be further integrated into the respiratory care multidisciplinary team.

The perception of physical therapy leaders in Saudi Arabia regarding physical therapy scope of practice in primary health care

[Purpose] To explore the views of the physical therapy service leaders in Saudi Arabia regarding the integration of physical therapy service in primary health care settings. [Subjects and Methods] A self-administered questionnaire consisting of both open and closed ended questions was distributed during May–July 2013 via email to physical therapy leaders representing different regions and health care providers in Saudi Arabia. [Results] Twenty-six participants answered the questionnaire. Eighty five percent of the sample had ≥ 10 years of experience with 57.6% of them holding a post-graduate degree. Participants were from different health care providers and represented different geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. Eighty one percent of the sample reported that the adoption of physical therapy services in primary health care would be advantageous, as it would offer earlier access to health care and would be more cost-effective. The respondents also stated that such a service would contribute towards the prevention of common non-communicable health diseases. [Conclusion] The results of this survey provide generally positive recommendations for the provision of physical therapy service in Saudi Arabia primary health care centers. However, challenges and barriers identified by this study require consideration during the development of the service.