Exploring the workplace and workforce intentions of early career physiotherapists in Australia

Abstract

Background: Previous research has indicated significant concerns regarding attrition of early career physiotherapists in Australia. Despite the importance of retaining skilled and experienced professionals within the profession, the workplace and workforce intentions of early career physiotherapists remain relatively unexplored. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and explore factors influencing the workplace and workforce intentions of early career physiotherapists in Australia. Methods: The Turnover Intention Theory was used to guide a whole-of-person qualitative exploration through semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. Transcribed interview data was subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated, constructed as questions to represent participants’ temporary holding of intentions: 1) What drives me?; 2) Do my expectations align?; 3) Do my values align?; and 4) What does the future hold? Conclusion: Early career physiotherapists’ perspectives encompass diverse and varied experiences that reflect an alignment, or in some cases a misalignment, of the expectations, values and resulting practices of becoming and being a physiotherapist. Early career physiotherapists experience a range of challenges within their workplaces, including significant experiences of stress, yet they express an underlying commitment to the wider profession.