Bioethics in the physical therapist’s clinical practice: conceptions by faculty members and students

Abstract

This is an empirical, descriptive and qualitative investigation on the approach to values and humanistic aspects in an undergraduate course in physical therapy. The perception of faculty members and students about ethical issues related to professional practice is investigated. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with the course coordinator, 12 faculty members and 24 students on their final year of the physical therapy course at a public Brazilian university. Although the theme is not explored in depth during the undergraduate course, the interviewees mentioned ethical conflicts concerning the relationship with other professionals, patients and the health service, as well as the allocation of resources. The students considered that discussions about ethics are treated only implicitly, and among the faculty members there was a consensus that it is necessary to approach the contents of ethics in a more applied manner to the reality of physical therapy.