Future-proofing the Profession: Physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and emerging role

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Professions
• Physiotherapy
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Healthcare systems are modernizing, necessitating practice transformation for physiotherapists.
• Understanding physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and future roles is crucial for adapting to population needs.
• Innovative and sustainable approaches are needed to evolve the physiotherapy profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gain insight into physiotherapists' perceptions of their current and emerging future roles.
• To understand how the physiotherapy role can evolve to meet population needs sustainably and innovatively.
• To inform the transformation of physiotherapy practice in response to healthcare modernization.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative design utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Informed by Gadamerian hermeneutic philosophy.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews from 23 UK-based physiotherapists.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: 'An underpinning philosophy of practice' (holistic care, patient wellbeing), 'an evolving role broadening the scope of practice', and physiotherapists as 'agents of change'.
• 'Preparing the future workforce' highlighted adaptability and resilience in graduates, but identified a need for enhanced university-placement provider affiliation.
• Participants emphasized the need for a clear, co-created vision for the future of physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Physiotherapists should re-evaluate their roles to ensure they remain contemporary and optimize their potential.
• An emerging role incorporating health promotion as fundamental could support physiotherapy transformation.
• Co-creating a clear future vision is essential for the profession's continued evolution and relevance.