[Physiotherapist--profession known or unknown? Knowledge of the inhabitants of the West Pomeranian region of physiotherapy. Preliminary reports].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of the inhabitants of the West Pomeranian region in terms of physiotherapy, and to highlight the need for action to expand public awareness of this topic.

Material and methods: A questionnaire survey involved a group of 267 adult men and women aged 18 to 78 years. All subjects were residents of West Pomerania. The questionnaire consists of 15 open and closed questions. Respondents provided answers to questions about physiotherapist competence, learning opportunities, and the availability of physiotherapy services.

Conclusions: Knowledge about physiotherapy is insufficient. There is a great need to disseminate information about the profession of the physiotherapist. It is necessary to undertake further studies on a larger group of participants.