Enhancing Recruitment and Retention of Physiotherapists through a Value-Based New Graduate Rotation Program at Vancouver General Hospital

The primary aim of this study was to develop and implement a value-based care model to enhance the recruitment and retention of physiotherapists at VGH through structured new graduate rotations. VGH's organizational values—"we care for everyone, we are always learning, and we strive for better results"—guided the development of this program. The model focused on providing robust peer and mentorship support to foster professional development and job satisfaction, with secondary goals of reducing vacancy rates and ensuring a sustainable workforce in public healthcare.

The study introduced a one-year structured rotation program for new graduate physiotherapists, enabling them to gain clinical experience across multiple practice areas in an acute care level trauma hospital. A buddy system paired new graduates with experienced peers for daily guidance, and site educators and clinical mentors provided formalized oversight. Clinical Operational Supervisors ensured continuous support, facilitating regular workshops and feedback sessions. New graduates also participated in training programs tailored to enhance clinical and non-clinical skills, contributing to their professional development. Feedback was gathered regularly through surveys, and adjustments were made based on participants' input. Key metrics such as retention rates, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes were analyzed. The program was developed using a value-based care framework aligned with VGH's values to ensure operational success and high-quality patient care.

The program significantly improved retention rates among new graduates, increasing from 66.66% in 2021 to 83.33% in 2022, reaching 100% in 2023. Feedback from new graduates emphasized the value of mentorship and peer support, highlighting how these factors contributed to job satisfaction and a supportive work environment. The program's success underscored its effectiveness in fostering retention and enhancing operational efficiency.

The successful implementation of a structured new graduate rotation program, supported by value-based leadership, has proven to be an effective strategy for addressing the recruitment and retention challenges at VGH. This model demonstrates the importance of a supportive, growth-oriented work environment in retaining skilled physiotherapists in the public sector. Future efforts should focus on scaling this model to other healthcare settings and enhancing mentorship opportunities to improve long-term workforce sustainability.

This study's results significantly affect physiotherapy practice and management. Public healthcare organizations can enhance recruitment and retention through structured new graduate rotations, improving patient care outcomes and operational efficiency. These findings can inform policy changes and the development of similar programs in other public healthcare facilities.