Stakeholder Perspectives on Retention Strategies for Rehabilitation Professionals: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Human Resources Management

Background:

• Global scarcity of health human resources impacts rehabilitation professions.
• Attrition and retention issues in occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (S-LP) exacerbate healthcare system precarity.
• Effective retention strategies are needed for rehabilitation professionals in Quebec.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify effective retention strategies for rehabilitation professionals in Quebec.
• To analyze factors influencing the retention of OTs, PTs, and S-LPs.
• To inform the development of targeted retention initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive description qualitative study utilizing individual interviews and focus groups.
• Purposeful sampling (maximum variation) of 51 rehabilitation professionals and key stakeholders.
• Data analysis using inductive and deductive approaches with constant comparative techniques, guided by Cultural-Historical Activity Theory.

Main Results:

• Five key sets of retention strategies were identified: aligning work with values, matching work parameters to professional needs, modifying workplace environments, improving professional governance, and offering comprehensive benefits.
• Multi-systemic strategies and intersectoral partnerships are essential for impactful change.
• Increased public awareness of rehabilitation professionals' value is also important.

Conclusions:

• Targeted, multi-systemic retention strategies are critical to enhance the work experience of rehabilitation professionals.
• These strategies are necessary to ensure the availability of OTs, PTs, and S-LPs for current and future healthcare demands.
• Addressing retention is vital for the sustainability and effectiveness of rehabilitation services.