An Exploration of Canadian Physiotherapists' Decisions about Whether to Supervise Physiotherapy Students: Results from a National Survey

Abstract

Purpose: To explore Canadian physiotherapists' perceptions of the factors that influence their decisions whether to supervise students in clinical placements. Methods: Using accepted survey development methodology, a survey was developed and administered to 18,110 physiotherapists to identify which factors contribute to the decision to supervise students. The survey also gave respondents opportunities to provide comments; these were analyzed via directed content analysis, using the factors identified in an exploratory factor analysis as an organizing structure. Results: A representative sample of 3,148 physiotherapists responded to the survey. Qualitative analysis of respondent comments provided a rich understanding of the factors contributing to the decision on whether to supervise students, which centred on themes related to stress, workplace productivity, the evaluation instrument, student preparation, and physiotherapists' professional roles and responsibilities. Challenges specific to loss of income and the ethics of charging for student services in private practice were also identified. Conclusions: Supervising students can be stressful, and stress is perceived by respondents to be most influential in deciding whether to supervise students. Effective supervisor training may mitigate some of the stresses related to supervising students. A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is needed to resolve the issues of student placement capacity.

Supervisory Pattern of Microteaching for SEA TEACHER Program: Student Perception

“…A recent Canadian study looked at pressures related to limited space and time, concerns about challenging pre-service teachers, and decreased flexibility associated with making pre-service teachers a significant obstacle in supervision [33]. One reason students avoid supervision is that it is possible to avoid conflict [34].…”

Clinician's Commentary on Hall et al.

“…Educational programmes are increasingly being challenged to find quality placements, and larger class sizes are putting further demands on these already scarce resources. The article by Hall and colleagues 1 provides a compelling argument for understanding the factors that influence therapists' decisions to supervise or not supervise students.…”

“…Hall and colleagues 1 point out that these types of courses are available—for example, through free web-based programmes such as the Preceptor Education Program for Health Professionals and Students 2 —and are also offered by university physiotherapy programmes. But are these programmes having the desired outcome of producing better prepared (and therefore less stressed) clinical educators?…”

“…Hall and colleagues 1 also give a voice to the private sector, which has been absent from the CE literature until now. Forty-eight percent of Canadian physiotherapy practice is in the private setting, 5 and many new graduates will also work in these environments.…”

“…Hall and colleagues 1 have laid the groundwork for a better national understanding of the factors influencing CE supervision. It is incumbent on the members of the profession to work collaboratively with the university programmes to address the issue of student placement capacity.…”