What matters to you? Deep dive to better understand the unmet needs of mid-career physiotherapists working in a large metropolitan hospital.
Dina Pogrebnoy1,2, Kirsty May1, Allison Hogan1, Christopher Weiers1, Kimberley Haines1,3 1Western Health, 2University of Newcastle, 3University of Melbourne
Abstract
Background:
Allied health professionals represent the second largest workforce in our health care system and routinely experience challenges, including staff shortages, clinical complexity and exposure to situations which elicit moral distress. Chronic emotional stressors can result in burnout which is highly prevalent in staff with experience of working in healthcare around the three to five year mark. The aim of this project is to better understand the unmet needs of grade 2 physiotherapy staff working in a large metropolitan hospital to reduce risk of burnout and improve well-being.
Methods:
A semi structured focus group was convened by an external facilitator with grade 2 physiotherapy staff. Participants were invited to share experiences on what they enjoy about their role, the challenges and what additional supports are required. The foucs group was recorded for transcribing purposes. De-identified transcripts were reviewed and a thematic analysis was performed. Ethics approval was obtained for this project.
Results:
Fourteen physiotherapists took part in the focus group. Participants were an even mix of newly recruited employees (within the last 2 years, n=7) and more established (longer than 2 years, n=7). Main themes for “joy at work” were seeing patients improve and working in a team. The challenges experienced were increased clinical demand, reduced formal learning opportunities and feeling disconnected. Suggestions for support included the need for more formal grade 2 professional development, mentoring and ability to contribute to decision making.
Conclusion:
Our project has identified clear themes which are important to address for the grade 2 physiotherapy cohort to help reduce the risk of burnout and improve morale. The next phase of this project is to co-design an action plan with the grade 2 cohort. Results of the next phase will be available in time to present at the National Allied Health Conference.
Biography
TBC