The attractiveness of physiotherapy in the NHS as a career choice: a qualitative study

Background and Purpose: The NHS is currently experiencing a shortfall of staff in the allied health professions and in particular, physiotherapy. This research project aimed to identify the key factors that determine the attractiveness of physiotherapy as a career choice and the NHS as an employer to potential recruits and returners. Methods: Interviews were conducted with school pupils, mature students on Access courses, physiotherapy students, physiotherapy assistants, agency physiotherapists and independent sector physiotherapists. Findings: Ninety-two individuals participated in the qualitative stage of the study. Physiotherapy as a career choice was seen as attractive because of caring for patients, job availablity, variety in work content and high levels of teamwork. However, these positive features were off set by high levels of stress and workload, staff shortages and poor equipment. Conclusions: In order to improve the attractiveness of a physiotherapy career greater publicity of consultant therapist positions, improved staffing levels, better working environments and increased work flexibility are required. It should be noted that the relatively small number of participants reduces the generalisibility of the results of this study.