From University student to physiotherapist: Quantifying work readiness and the influence of personal and educational factors during the transition phase.

Vidya Lawton*, Verity Pacey, Taryn Jones, Catherine Dean

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction
Work ready physiotherapy graduates are those able to transition into a complex, rapidly changing and dynamic modern healthcare system. Graduating from university and meeting the physiotherapy practice thresholds may not equate to work readiness. The aims of this study were to quantify the perceived work readiness of individuals transitioning into physiotherapy practice, and to identify the personal and education factors that may influence perceptions of work readiness.
Methods
National online surveys were distributed to collect perceptions of work readiness, personal and educational data from final year physiotherapy students and recent graduates. Personal data included age, gender and psychological health status measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression (PHQ4)1. Educational data included stage of development and type of degree. Work readiness was measured using the Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health professionals (WRS-AH)2. Overall work readiness score and scores for the 4 domains (interpersonal capabilities, practical wisdom, personal attributes, and organisational acumen) were analysed descriptively and independent t -tests were used to examine the influence of personal and educational factors.
Results
176 participants reported an overall WRS-AH score of 80% (SD 8), with the Personal Attributes (65%, SD 14) domain scoring the lowest. 35% of participants reported symptoms of psychological distress. Those who reported symptoms scored 7% (95%CI 4 to 9) less on the overall WRS-AH score, and less across all domains. Graduates scored higher than final year students in total WRS-AH scores and in the Personal Attributes domain. Participants completing a DPT degree scored 4% (95% CI 1 to 7) higher in the Organisational Acumen domain.
Discussion
Overall, while physiotherapy students and graduates perceive themselves to be work ready, further development of personal attributes such as stress management, resilience, flexibility and adaptability may enhance work readiness. Additional strategies are needed for those reporting psychological distress.
References
1. Löwe B, Wahl I, Rose M, Spitzer C, Glaesmer H, Wingenfeld K, et al. A 4-item measure of depression and anxiety: Validation and standardization of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in the general population. Journal of affective disorders. 2009;122(1):86-95.
2. Lawton et al 2023 (under review) A work readiness scale for allied health graduates. Submitted to Clinical Teacher, 19th December, 2022.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2023
EventAustralian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) 2023 Conference - Gold Coast, Australia
Duration: 26 Jun 202329 Jun 2023

Conference

ConferenceAustralian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) 2023 Conference
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityGold Coast
Period26/06/2329/06/23

Keywords

  • work-readiness
  • career transition

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