The impact of race, ethnicity, and country of professional preparation on physical therapists' assessment and treatment preferences.

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of race, ethnicity, and country of professional preparation on physical therapists' assessment and treatment preferences. A three-part questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, a patient scenario, and a list of assessment and treatment options was completed by 187 physical therapists. Chi-square analysis showed no difference between physical therapists educated in this country and foreign-educated physical therapists in any of the assessment and treatment preferences. More minority (66%) than non-minority (46.3%) physical therapists indicated they would evaluate back extensor muscle strength. This is the first study to investigate the impact of race, ethnicity, and country of professional preparation on practice in physical therapy and opens the door to future studies.