Mrs Ima Strkljevic1,2, Prof. Cathie Sherrington1,2, Prof. Anne Tiedemann1,2, Dr. Abby Haynes1,2, Dr. Juliana Souza De Oliveira1,2, Dr. Wing Kwok1,2
1The University of Sydney, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia, 2Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Ima Strkljevic, a physiotherapist with 25-year clinical career and a PhD candidate researching professional volunteering among health professionals to develop innovative interventions for promotion of physical activity and healthy ageing. Volunteered as NSW Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) branch councillor, initiated programs through council grants to promote physical activity (PA) and general health in community. Volunteer teacher, coordinator, regional manager for Primary Ethics, providing education in ethics in NSW public schools.
Arrived in Australia as a refugee, received Premier’s Award for HSC Excellence, worked and volunteered with newly arrived refugees, migrants, torture and trauma survivors, studied effects of physiotherapy on PTSD.
Abstract:
Aim:
Volunteering enhances healthy ageing by fostering social interaction, support, and physical activity. Physiotherapist volunteers are well-positioned to design and promote physical activity programs, improving community health. This study explored current volunteering practices among Australian physiotherapists and assessed their potential for future involvement in health promotion.
Methods:
An online survey of 520 Australian physiotherapists gathered data on volunteering intentions, motivators, engagement preferences, attitudes, and demographics.
Results:
Half of the respondents were active volunteers, and 94% expressed interest in future volunteering, preferably face-to-face (60%). Key factors associated with current volunteering included older age (45–54: OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.50–9.11; 55+: OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.31–11.34), formal employment (full-time: OR 6.62, 95% CI 2.51–17.48; part-time: OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.64–13.39), clinical roles (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04–2.08), and rural work experience (current: OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04–2.12; previous: OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.88–4.75). Facilitators included suitable activities and availability. Motivators were helping others (85%) and family involvement (62%). Preferred areas were community events (88%), physical activity promotion (84%), and health education (82%). Most believed volunteering benefits the community (88%), makes a difference (83%), and addresses social issues (86%).
Conclusion:
Physiotherapists are highly motivated to volunteer and recognise their impact on public health. Targeted programs are needed to optimize engagement and maximize the benefits of physiotherapist-led volunteering initiatives.