New graduate physiotherapists' perceived preparedness for clinical practice. A cross-sectional survey. (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chesterton, Paul; Chesterton, Jennifer; Alexanders, Jenny
• Is Part Of: European journal of physiotherapy. Volume 25:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Physiotherapy education -- professional standards -- graduating physiotherapy students -- physiotherapy -- prepared for practice; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2021.1958007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-9169

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The study aimed to explore new United Kingdom (UK) graduate physiotherapists' perceived preparedness for clinical practice to provide valuable information to support curriculum development. Methods: An online, mixed method cross-sectional questionnaire was used. Newly qualified UK physiotherapists completed a survey, capturing how physiotherapy degrees prepared them for practice against (1) UK proficiency standards and (2) cross-discipline physiotherapy related clinical skills. Respondents were asked for reflections of their degree course including teaching and effectiveness. Data were converted into proportions with a 95% confidence interval. Likert-scale questions were treated as numeric variables with the mean and standard deviation (SD) calculated for combined responses. Thematic analysis reported patterns of data extracted from open-ended questions. Results: Of a total of 376 respondents, 365 were included in data analysis. Overall respondents perceived that courses prepared them 'well' against 12 of the 15 standards, on a Likert scale of 1–5. Respondents reported that perceived competence was 'indifferent' for manual therapy skills (mean 3.14 ± SD 1.13), red flag (3.45 ± 1.11) and clinical flag management (2.92 ± 1.16). Exercise prescription (2.42 ± 1.35), psychosocial skills (2.27 ± 1.23) and patient management (2.41 ± 1.12) were areas identified for further teaching focus. Placements were the preferred teaching method most applicable to practice followed by practical seminars. Conclusion: Respondents felt sufficiently prepared for practice against UK proficiency standards but not physiotherapy related clinical skills. Areas for curricula development included exercise prescription, psychology and pain management.