The President of the Order of Physiotherapists considers that "(...) despite the legislative measures, the responses implemented are still insufficient, with notable geographical asymmetries and a clear lack of health professionals integrated into mental health teams, as well as an omission to include physiotherapists in these teams".
In a message video For the conference "Current and Future Challenges for Physiotherapy in Mental Health", organised by the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists APFISIO, António Lopes stressed that although physiotherapists and other health professionals may not be aware of the role and benefits of intervention, the scope of practice of Physiotherapy in Mental Health and Psychiatry "is holistic, eclectic and dynamic - as it is constantly informed by evidence - and as such is able to respond to the health needs of people and society."
In his speech, broadcast on 22 October, which took place at the Escola Superior de Saúde - Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, António Lopes gave an overview of the various dimensions of Physiotherapy in Mental Health and the specific theoretical, practical and interpersonal skills that Physiotherapists should have, pointing out that one of the reasons why the benefits of Physiotherapy interventions don't always reach users with mental health problems is the lack or inadequate training of Physiotherapists in this area.
Despite this, according to the declarations submitted when registering with the Order, of the more than 9,000 already registered, "around 700 physiotherapists report having obtained additional qualifications in the area of mental health, and around 600 physiotherapists report having, or having had, clinical activity in mental health".
In order to improve this situation, he emphasised the commitment of the Order of Physiotherapists to promoting access to physiotherapy care in the area of mental health, to supporting and valuing those who already work in this field and to studying solutions together with higher education institutions. In this context, he also recalled the process of creating a framework of professional specialities in Physiotherapy in Portugal, which is currently underway, guaranteeing: "We will work to promote Physiotherapy in Mental Health!
Intervention of the President of the Portuguese Bar Association on Physiotherapy in Mental Health
