Exploring new-graduate physiotherapists' preparedness for, and experiences working within, Australian acute hospital settings

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice 2023-09, Vol.39 (9), p.1918-1928
• Main Authors: Phan, Andrew, Tan, Shaun, Martin, Romany, Mandrusiak, Allison, Forbes, Roma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Australia; Hospitals; Humans; Interviews; Physical therapists; Physical Therapists - education; Physical therapy; Professional training; Qualitative Research; Students; Workplace; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2059424

New-graduate physiotherapists experience a steep learning curve when transitioning from student to clinician. The acute hospital setting is known to present unique challenges for health clinicians, however, the preparedness of new-graduate physiotherapists for working within this setting remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate new-graduate physiotherapists' experiences of working in acute hospital settings and their perceptions toward how their pre-professional training prepared them for this setting. A qualitative study with a general inductive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with new-graduate physiotherapists working in acute hospital settings were undertaken (n = 14). Interview data were subject to thematic analysis. Four themes were generated from the data: 1) multifactorial and high-pressure nature; 2) managing relationships; 3) realizing responsibility; and 4) constructing realistic experiences. The acute hospital setting presents unique obstacles and additional challenges when transitioning from student to clinician. New-graduates value the role of pre-professional training in their preparation for this context, however, new-graduates reflected on being sheltered from some areas of practice as students. Recommendations are suggested for education providers to adapt pre-professional training, and for employers to implement workplace strategies, which may support new-graduate physiotherapists in the acute hospital setting.