A qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the job satisfaction and career development of physiotherapists in private practice

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.

Making fall prevention routine in primary care practice: perspectives of allied health professionals

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“…Despite both higher education and students investing in the production of "rounded graduates", not all students will convert their engagement in employability-related activities to positive employment outcomes (Holmes, 2013). While this may be attributed to personal fit, a mismatch in role expectations, or reported bias in graduate recruitment processes (Clarke, 2017b;Davies, Edgar, & Debenham, 2016), some suggest that students lack the ability to comprehend and communicate their strengths and achievements (Elias, 2014). This study is therefore focused on gauging student capabilities in using their work experience to decode and articulate their capabilities to prospective graduate employers.…”

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