Physical Therapists Not-Knowing During International Service Work

Opportunities are now available for physical therapists to move onto the global scene as they become involved in international service-learning work. Professional core values and a code of ethics set the stakes on knowing quite high. The familiar experience of performing one's professional duties is altered by the context of the international setting. This book utilizes descriptive phenomenology to examine the phenomenon of not-knowing for physical therapists engaging in international service work. The essence of not-knowing for physical therapists engaged in international service-learning work was signified by four constituents which have implications for those who engage in this work and for programs sponsoring this work. By better understanding the physical therapists' experience we can better anticipate the kinds of support needed for those who engage in international service work. Seeing moments of not-knowing as opportunities to learn may provide us with a cornerstone for building better relationships with people involved in health care across cultures and nations.