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Hartley S.E.1, Yeowell G.1
1Manchester Metropolitan University, Health Professions, Manchester, United Kingdom
Background: The augmentation of chronic conditions due to an ageing society, the lack of physical activity and the pursuit of unhealthy lifestyles, poses a major challenge to global health care systems. Furthermore, the costs of health care, due to co-morbidities, are continuing to escalate. Therefore, innovative ways to provide cost effective services are needed. As modifiable risk factors account for over half the disease burden of later life, interventions targeted at the population level by promoting public health and well-being, could make a significant contribution to the prevention of chronic diseases and their progression. The physiotherapy profession is ideally placed to take on initiatives that lead the way in revolutionizing the management of chronic conditions.
Purpose: To explore the role of the physiotherapist as viewed by physiotherapy academics and undergraduate physiotherapy students. The intention is to gain an insight into the future scope of the physiotherapy profession.
Methods: The study followed an exploratory qualitative design, undertaken from an interpretive paradigm. A purposive sample was used to recruit participants to two focus groups, one with academic staff and the other with 3rd year BSc (Hons) undergraduate physiotherapy students. All participants were recruited from a university in England in 2016. Both focus groups were carried out by the same researcher (SH). Each focus group interview lasted 50-70 minutes and was digitally recorded. An interview schedule was used to guide the interviews. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Six academics were recruited for the first focus group; four were female. Their experience of working in academia ranged from 2 to 24 years. Seven students were recruited to the second focus group; five were female. Three themes were identified and were common to both groups: philosophy of practice, changing role, tension between cultures.
Conclusion(s): An underpinning philosophy of practice that promotes holistic care and supports patient well-being is perceived to dictate the role of the physiotherapist. As well as the attainment of core competences, transferable skills are deemed important to ensure this is accomplished. There is an awareness of the changing role of the physiotherapist including an extended role and a more public health focus, with the need to consider the cost implications of care. Although it is perceived that physiotherapists have a voice, their role is influenced by changes in the health service, which is shaped by governments ideology. Role mismatch between the university and practice and the demands of the market place, provide tensions within the profession. The next stage is to consider physiotherapists viewpoint of their future role.
Implications: Physiotherapists could lead the way in revolutionizing the management of chronic condition. Only by reflecting on their role within the changing face of healthcare, can a clear vision for the future be created that ensures physiotherapists remain fit for practice. However, there are many tensions to be confronted. Rising to these challenges requires a shared endeavour across the physiotherapy profession for radical change in practice including, the capacity to take on the role of public health promoters.
Funding acknowledgements: None
Topic: Professional issues
Ethics approval: Ethical approval was obtained from Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty Academic Ethics Committee: Reference 1385
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
