Future-proofing the Profession: Physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and emerging role

Sandra Elaine Hartley; Hanane Ryad; Gillian Yeowell

doi:10.1016/j.physio.2022.11.007

Future-proofing the Profession: Physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and emerging role

Physiotherapy. 2023 Jun:119:72-79. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.11.007. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

Authors

Sandra Elaine Hartley¹, Hanane Ryad², Gillian Yeowell³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Professions, Brooks Building, Birley Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester M15 6GX, England, UK. Electronic address: s.hartley@mmu.ac.uk.
² Department of Health Professions, Brooks Building, Birley Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester M15 6GX, England, UK. Electronic address: Hananer1@hotmail.fr.
³ Department of Health Professions, Brooks Building, Birley Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester M15 6GX, England, UK. Electronic address: g.yeowell@mmu.ac.uk.

PMID: 36940489
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.11.007

Abstract

Objectives: As healthcare systems continue to modernise, physiotherapists are required to transform their practice to remain contemporary and meet future population needs. The study aims to gain an insight into physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and emerging future role. The intention is to develop an understanding of the physiotherapist's role and how it can continue to evolve to support populations' needs in more sustainable and innovative ways.

Design: A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews was undertaken informed by Gadamerian hermeneutic philosophy.

Participants: Participants were gained from a postgraduate physiotherapy programme in Northwest England that recruits physiotherapists from across the UK; via the research teams' professional networks and using snowball sampling. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Ethical approval and informed consent was obtained.

Results: 23 participants (15 female). 4 themes were identified: 'An underpinning philosophy of practice' that promotes holistic care and supports patient wellbeing. An 'evolving role broadening the scope of practice' with many 'agents of change shaping the profession'. When 'preparing the future workforce and their transition into practice', graduates were seen as more adaptable and resilient. However, more affiliation between the university and placement providers to enhance learning environments is needed.

Conclusions: Physiotherapists need to re-evaluate their role so a clear vision for the future can be co-created to ensure they remain contemporary and continue to optimise their potential. An emerging role that re-envisages a holistic approach that incorporates health promotion as fundamental to this role could support physiotherapists' transformation in practice. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Keywords: Health and wellbeing; Health promotion; Holistic care; Integrated care; Public health.

MeSH terms

Attitude of Health Personnel
Female
Hermeneutics
Humans
Physical Therapists*
Physical Therapy Modalities
Qualitative Research