Turnover Tendency and Related Factors Among Rehabilitation Professionals in Japan: Quantifying Multiple-Choice...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Human Resources in Healthcare

Background:

• Global aging populations increase demand for rehabilitation services.
• Preventing turnover among rehabilitation professionals is crucial for effective treatment delivery.
• Limited data exists on turnover drivers for Japanese rehabilitation professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing turnover intention among physical and occupational therapists in Japan.
• To provide evidence-based strategies for rehabilitation workforce retention.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional internet panel survey of 515 physical and occupational therapists.
• Utilized rating scales and multiple-choice questions to assess turnover intention and related factors.
• Employed two-step analysis: topic analysis followed by factor analysis and linear regressions.

Main Results:

• Low job satisfaction significantly correlated with higher turnover intention.
• An imbalance between working hours and salary was a key factor driving turnover.
• Positive coworker relationships were associated with lower turnover intention.
• High motivation for research activities was unexpectedly linked to increased turnover intention.

Conclusions:

• Factors contributing to rehabilitation professional turnover in Japan align with those observed internationally.
• Enhancing job satisfaction and fostering supportive coworker relationships are vital for retention.
• Addressing work-life balance issues, including salary and working hours, is essential.