Characteristics, proficiency profile, and specialty perceptions of Peruvian physiatrists: A survey study

Background: Despite the growth of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) in recent years, the same cannot be said for its workforce conditions. Although various issues regarding the reality of the physiatry workforce have been reported, no studies were found that have evaluated it in Peru. Objective: To assess characteristics, proficiency profile, and specialty perceptions of Peruvian physiatrists. Design: Cross-sectional survey, designed and validated by the Peruvian Society of PM&R. Setting: Online anonymous and voluntary questionnaire. Participants: One hundred five Peruvian physiatrists. Interventions: During August 2023, after approval from the ethics committee, a Google Forms questionnaire was shared with the participants via WhatsApp, providing information about study details. Responses were monitored through direct communication with each participant. Main Outcome Measures: Twenty-four questions covering sociodemographic data, training-related characteristics, work-related characteristics, proficiency perceptions, and specialty perceptions. Results: Most surveyed physiatrists were females (80%) and completed residency between 2017 and 2022 (46.7%). Only 2.8% had pursued a subspecialty fellowship; 41.9% were involved in teaching and easily found employment after residency. Most worked in the public sector (82.9%) and had a permanent employment status under the 728 regime (33.3%). Most reported having much proficiency (Level 3) in all competency domains. Mastery in ultrasound (US) (10.2%) and electrodiagnostic medicine (EDX) (4.1%) was reported mainly by those completing residency between 2017 and 2022. Only 2.9% reported ability to conduct scientific research. Overall satisfaction with the specialty was high (75.2%). Conclusions: The survey found that most of surveyed Peruvian physiatrists worked in the public sector, had permanent employment status, considered themselves highly proficient in all evaluated domains, reported low mastery in US and EDX, and were very satisfied with the specialty. Given the lack of literature, these findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators, highlighting key areas for improving conditions for the physiatry workforce.