Identifying the factors that affect the job satisfaction of early career Notre Dame graduate physiotherapists

Objective: Previous studies have highlighted the short career intentions and high attrition rates of physiotherapists from the profession. The aim of this study was to examine the job satisfaction and attrition rates of early career physiotherapists graduating from one Western Australian university. Methods: A self-administered online survey was conducted of 157 Notre Dame physiotherapy graduates (2006-2012), incorporating a job satisfaction rating scale. Results: Results showed that lowered job satisfaction was related to working in the cardiorespiratory area of physiotherapy and working in multiple jobs since graduation. The majority of graduates did not predict a long-term career in physiotherapy highlighting a lack of career progression and limited scope of practice as influential factors. Conclusions: Job satisfaction in early career physiotherapists varies across different clinical areas of practice related to several factors including challenge and flexibility. New roles in the profession including extended scope roles may impact on the future job satisfaction of physiotherapists. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of these roles on workforce trends including attrition rates. What is known about the topic? Physiotherapists predict careers of 10 years or less, on entry into the profession. No previous studies have explored the individual factors influencing job satisfaction in early career physiotherapists across different clinical settings. What does this paper add? This study highlighted specific factors influencing the job satisfaction of early career physiotherapists including clinical area of practice. Physiotherapists working in the area of cardiorespiratory were less satisfied as well as physiotherapists undertaking multiple positions since graduation. What are the implications for practitioners? This study informs employers and workforce planners on the factors influencing job satisfaction in early career physiotherapists. Additionally, knowledge of issues affecting job satisfaction in the early career stage may assist educational institutions in their preparation of graduates for the future health workforce

Employment patterns of Notre Dame graduate physiotherapists 2006–12: Targeting areas of workforce need

Background: The Australian physiotherapy workforce is changing both in demographics and service needs. Physiotherapy curriculum and clinical education focus is ideally based on up-to-date knowledge of this changing workforce. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the employment patterns of Physiotherapy graduates from The University of Notre Dame Australia (Notre Dame). Method: An online survey was conducted of Notre Dame Physiotherapy graduates (2006-2012) with a 50% response rate (n=157). Results: Survey results established the employment location, employment status, healthcare sector, area of practice, salary and employment history of Notre Dame graduates. The results highlighted links between curriculum, clinical placements and workforce areas, with the spread of workforce directly linked to focuses in the undergraduate curriculum. Summary: This study highlighted the impact of directing undergraduate curriculum and clinical placement experiences towards areas of workforce need. The findings identify the importance of producing graduates equipped to meet the changing service needs of the healthcare industry. What is known about the topic? No previous studies have been conducted on the employment patterns of Notre Dame physiotherapy graduates and specifically the impact of targeting curriculum and clinical placements toward areas of workforce need. What does this paper add? Through a self-administered survey design, this study demonstrated that Notre Dame Physiotherapy graduates have increased uptake in areas targeted within the curriculum, specifically geriatrics, paediatrics and rural health. Although graduates were more attracted to the rural health setting, they were not retained. What are the implications for practitioners? This study informs educational institutions and workforce planners on the importance of linking curriculum, clinical placements and workforce to develop a sustainable workforce adaptable to clinical settings and areas