Dancers’ Perceptions of Accessibility and Quality of the Relationship with Healthcare Professionals in Quebec

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand dancers’ perception of accessibility to care and quality of the relationship with healthcare practitioners in Quebec; to identify the key elements of an optimal dancer–physician relationship; and to propose recommendations for improvement. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice, “yes/no,” and short answer questions was sent to professional dance organizations, companies, agencies, and schools in Quebec, Canada. Information regarding the dance artists’ sociodemographics, dance background, dance-related injuries, and access to a primary care physician were collected. Experiences and expectations regarding the dancer–physician relationship were surveyed. One-way ANOVA analyses and Pearson correlations were performed to assess differences of perception between dancers’ demographic characteristics and associations between the variables. RESULTS: Out of 161 participants, 144 met inclusion criteria, consisting of largely French-speaking females, North American or European decent, self-employed contemporary dancers with an average age of 33.13 ± 10.81 yrs. Dance artists sought medical care from osteopaths (47.9%) and physiotherapists (36.1%) more frequently than from physicians (8.3%). Fully employed dancers had more favorable perceptions of the dancer–physician relationship compared to self-employed dancers and those who had mixed streams of income. The perception of most participants was that physicians do not comprehend the unique dance-associated impacts on health (81.8%). The most important aspect affecting perception of the relationship with the physician was diagnostic acumen (41.3%). Most participants (79.0%) selected “works with other health professionals [...] and gives expert advice” as an important expectation from physicians. CONCLUSION: This research is the first investigation of the dancer–physician relationship in Quebec. It reveals a desire amongst the dance artist community to improve the dancer–physician relationship and the overall quality of their unique healthcare requirements.