Physiotherapists as managers: an analysis of tasks performed by head physiotherapists

Knowledge of the activities performed by managers forms the basis for management training yet little is known of tasks performed by managers in the health service. A study was performed to identify the managerial role of three physiotherapists randomly selected from eleven physiotherapists in charge of large hospital departments who had taken part in a previous study to establish a profile of perceived tasks. Analysis revealed that the key roles of resource allocator, monitor and leader were similar to other middle managers, verbal contacts were typical of managers at all levels and clinical work caused role ambiguity. The study indicated areas where the head physiotherapist's performance could possibly be improved together with suggestions for management training and the selection of future head physiotherapists.