A qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the job satisfaction and career development of physiotherapists in private practice. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, J.M.; Edgar, S.; Debenham, J.
• Is Part Of: Manual therapy. Volume 25(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Job satisfaction -- Physiotherapists -- Private practice -- New graduate; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy; Manipulation (Thérapeutique) -- Périodiques; Physiothérapie -- Périodiques; Maladies neuromusculaires -- Traitement -- Périodiques; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2016.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-689X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate factors contributing to job satisfaction at different career stages, among private practice physiotherapists in Australia. Design: Qualitative case study design utilising focus groups. Participants: Sixteen participants allocated to 3 focus groups: new graduates (n = 6), post graduates (n = 5) and practice owners (n = 5). Main outcome measures: Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was undertaken to determine themes and subthemes from each focus group. Results: The key themes identified within each focus group included the role of peer support and mentoring, professional development, professional relationships, new graduate employment issues and career pathways within private practice. In particular, issues surrounding the new graduate experience in private practice were explored, with all groups noting lack of support and financial pressures were of concern. Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that new graduates are underprepared to work in private practice and modifications to the delivery of peer support, mentoring and professional development is required. Key recommendations include physiotherapy undergraduate program reform to reflect industry requirements in private practice, an increase in private practice clinical placement numbers, as well as streamlining the physiotherapy profession to improve career development pathways. Highlights: Factors influencing job satisfaction vary dependent on career stage for private practitioners. Peer support and mentoring is valued by new graduate and postgraduate physiotherapists. New graduate physiotherapists are underprepared to work in private practice. Career development pathways are required for physiotherapists working in private practice.