Physiotherapists’ perceptions of their role in the management of motorcyle-related head injuries in Kenya

Abstract

Background: As motorcycle ownership remains an all-time high, the incidences
of motorcycle-related deaths and traumatic brain injuries are expected to remain at high levels due to poor safety adherence by motorcycle users. Information regarding the role played by physiotherapists would assist to develop a motorcycle safety guide that would put into consideration the role of health professionals with an aim of preventing motorcycle injuries and death.

Objective: To identify the perceptions of physiotherapists on their role in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.

Design: An exploratory design was used to answer the research question.

Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.

Subjects: Eight (8) physiotherapists agreed to participate in the study.

Results: The results revealed that the participants expressed their main role to be assessment and treatment of patients with motorcycle-related head injuries. With regards to prevention, secondary and tertiary prevention was practiced by the majority of the participants. The participants however reported that they should also engage in primary prevention activities. Health promotion was perceived by the participants to be within their scope of practice and even gave recommendations for public education programs and policy enforcement to assist in reducing motorcycle injuries.

Conclusion: The participants expressed their concerns on the increasing cases of motorcycle injuries. There is a need for public education programs on motorcycle safety to create awareness in the community and the society.