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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(2)

The impact of recent physiotherapy graduates in the workforce: a study of Curtin University entry-level physiotherapists 2000–2004

Amanda J. Mulcahy A D , Sue Jones B , Geoff Strauss C and Ian Cooper A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.

B Faculty of Teaching and Learning, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.

C School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: amanda.mulcahy@health.wa.gov.au

Australian Health Review 34(2) 252-259 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH08700
Submitted: 6 October 2008  Accepted: 15 June 2009   Published: 25 May 2010

Abstract

Physiotherapy is the largest healthcare contributor after nursing and medicine and it is important to understand its employment characteristics. This study aimed to explore workforce trends for recent physiotherapy graduates, including satisfaction and motivating factors, and future career intentions. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to contactable entry-level physiotherapy graduates (2000–2004) from Curtin University. Of 256 respondents (62.9%), 76.5% were employed full-time. A total of 45% of physiotherapists worked in the public health system; 79.3% worked in cities; 92.2% were clinicians. Top salaries were earned by those completing more continuing professional development hours, working privately, in rural locations and males. A total of 65% (n = 118) of respondents believed they would leave physiotherapy within 10 years. The best aspects of working in physiotherapy were ‘helping people’, ‘flexibility’ and ‘working in a healthcare team’. Major areas for improvement were ‘remuneration’, ‘skill recognition’ and ‘marketing’. This study suggests serious implications for the future of the health; planning to avert shortages is essential.

What is known about the topic? Few recent studies have examined the extent to which physiotherapists may become dissatisfied and leave their professions, and much of the evidence is anecdotal.

What does the paper add? Through a self-administered survey, it was found that satisfaction with physiotherapy was indicated by 72.0% of respondents, with higher levels amongst rural workers, those completing more continuing professional development and senior physiotherapists.

What are the implications for practitioners? Health workforce planning must take into consideration that many graduates predicted a relatively short-term physiotherapy career. The most satisfied graduates were goal-oriented and developing a career path as evidenced by professional body membership, participation in more continuing professional development and working in a senior position.


Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Curtin University of Technology and Nola Cecins, Dr Graeme Wright, Peter McKinnon, Jennifer Lalor, Paul Davey, Duncan Hardman, Dr Peter Dewar, Robert Mulcahy, Kylie Mulcahy and James MacWatt.


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