New graduate physiotherapists’ perceived preparedness for clinical practice. A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objectives: The study aimed to explore new United Kingdom (UK) graduate physiotherapists’ perceived preparedness for clinical practice to provide valuable information to support curriculum development. Methods: An online, mixed method cross-sectional questionnaire was used. Newly qualified UK physiotherapists completed a survey, capturing how physiotherapy degrees prepared them for practice against 1) UK proficiency standards and 2) cross-discipline physiotherapy related clinical skills. Respondents were asked for reflections of their degree course including teaching and effectiveness. Data was converted into proportions with a 95% confidence interval. Likert scale questions were treated as numeric variables with the mean and standard deviation (SD) calculated for combined responses. Thematic analysis reported patterns of data extracted from open-ended questions. Results: Of a total of 376 respondents, 365 were included in data analysis. Overall respondents perceived that courses prepared them ‘well’ against 12 of the 15 standards, on a Likert scale of 1-5. Respondents reported that perceived competence was ‘indifferent’ for manual therapy skills (Mean 3.14 ± SD 1.13), red flag (3.45 ± 1.11) and clinical flag management (2.92 ± 1.16). Exercise prescription (2.42 ± 1.35), psychosocial skills (2.27 ± 1.23) and patient management (2.41 ± 1.12) were areas identified for further teaching focus. Placements were the preferred teaching method most applicable to practice followed by practical seminars. Conclusion: Respondents felt sufficiently prepared for practice against UK proficiency standards but not physiotherapy related clinical skills. Areas for curricula development included exercise prescription, psychology and pain management.