[Physical medicine and rehabilitation in Morocco]

ABSTRACT

This survey was conducted in order to assess the degree of knowledge of physical medicine and rehabilitation [PMR], as an emerging medical discipline, by Moroccan Doctors and to evaluate its place in their daily practice. 500 questionnaires were distributed to interns and residents in Rabat and Casablanca teaching hospitals. 307 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean score of the knowledge of PMR on a scale ranging 0 to 25 was 15.63 +/- 4.51 [3-25]. The comparison of means between different groups puts Rheumatology residents in the top rank with a mean score of 20.18 +/- 3.00 with a significant difference when compared to the other group [p= 0.001]. On the other hand, 57.7% of doctors declared never having sought the advice of a Physiatrist. Finally, 85% of participants felt that the introduction of PMR in the curriculum of general medicine would be very useful. PMR is poorly known to doctors training in Moroccan teaching hospitals. More efforts must be combined to promote this discipline that has become essential in patient care