The aim of this study was to identify and reflect on the lessons learned during the establishment of a PBRN in physiotherapy in Australia. We investigated challenges and potential solutions as well as incentives for improving the recruitment and retention of physiotherapists with the intent to provide recommendations for future PBRN initiatives in healthcare.
A variety of recruitment strategies were employed to recruit clinicians to the PBRN, including presentations at regional and national physiotherapy conferences, direct outreach through professional organisations, digital promotion via email campaigns and newsletters, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and personal LinkedIn accounts of Steering Committee members). Professional development opportunities and involvement in sub-studies were offered as potential incentives to encourage participation. Clinician responses and engagement levels were tracked to evaluate the effectiveness of each strategy.
From 2020, the PBRN recruited approximately 200, which is significantly lower than anticipated, given the national physiotherapy workforce (>35k Australian registered Physiotherapists). Recruitment challenges have been attributed to time constraints, competing clinical responsibilities, lack of immediate incentives for clinicians, and lack of funding for organisation and maintaining the PBRN. Attempts to engage through passive channels such as newsletters and emails were largely ineffective. Offering continuing professional education as an incentive has shown potential, but logistical difficulties, such as scheduling conflicts and geographical dispersion, have made this challenging to implement regionally and nationally.
While the recruitment numbers for the PBRN were lower than expected, the lessons learned offer valuable insights into the challenges of engaging clinicians in practice-based research. By refining recruitment strategies, improving incentives, and making participation more accessible, PBRN initiatives can better support clinician involvement and achieve their research goals.
Despite the challenges faced, a PBRN in physiotherapy can advance practice-based research in Australia. The insights gained, provide valuable guidance for refining recruitment methods, encouraging co-developed projects and fostering a more resilient research culture within the profession.
Practice-based research
Recruitment challenges
