Are Newly Graduated Physiotherapists in Quebec Prepared for Work Rehabilitation Practice? A Mixed Method Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Science
• Physiotherapy Education

Background:

• Physiotherapists play a key role in return-to-work programs for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
• Entry-level physiotherapy training often leaves graduates feeling inadequately prepared for specialized work rehabilitation practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore recent physiotherapy graduates' perceived preparedness for work rehabilitation in Quebec, Canada.
• To identify factors influencing their preparedness in this specialized area.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative interview findings.
• Recent graduates rated preparedness across seven work rehabilitation competencies and discussed their training experiences.
• Data were analyzed descriptively (quantitative) and thematically (qualitative), with findings synthesized via a joint display.

Main Results:

• Graduates reported higher preparedness in person-centered care and treatment planning, but lower preparedness in psychosocial factors management, interprofessional collaboration, compensation system navigation, and return-to-work support.
• Key influencing factors included role perceptions, curriculum support, limited specialized training, and stigma associated with injured workers.
• Participants identified strategies for enhancing work rehabilitation training.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in recent physiotherapy graduates' preparedness for crucial aspects of work rehabilitation.
• These deficits are linked to insufficient specialized training, unclear professional roles, and workplace stigma.
• Recommendations include developing targeted strategies to improve work rehabilitation training within physiotherapy curricula.