Exploring the Concept of Leadership from the Perspective of Physical Therapists in Canada

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the concept of leadership from the perspective of physical therapists in Canada. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional nationwide study was performed using a Web-based survey distributed to all members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) with a registered e-mail address (n ¼ 6,156). Frequency distributions and percentages were obtained for all leadership characteristics, and chi-square tests were performed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 1,875 members responded, for a 30% response rate. Communication, professionalism, and credibility were rated as extremely important leadership characteristics by the majority of respondents across all three settings (workplace, health care system, and society); practising in the private sector contributed significantly to the perceived importance of business acumen (p < 0.001). Overall, 79.6% of respondents self-declared as leaders; male gender, primary work facility in private practice or educational institution, and supervision of students were factors associated with self-declaration as a leader. Conclusions: The top three characteristics that physical therapists perceive as important differ from those reported among other health care professions. Further research is required to understand whether the presence of multiple health care professionals in an acute-care setting facilitates leadership opportunities or whether physical therapists feel overshadowed. Future studies should also investigate whether individuals practising outside the private sector recognize the business aspects of their workplace.

Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Leadership across the Health Care Continuum: A Brief Report

“…Our earlier study 6 was the first to address physical therapists' perceptions of the characteristics required for leadership in health care. It provided a foundation for discussing leadership in physical therapy and the importance of leadership with respect to the profession's position in Canadian health care systems.…”

“…It provided a foundation for discussing leadership in physical therapy and the importance of leadership with respect to the profession's position in Canadian health care systems. 6 One essential component of effective leadership is advocacy, which, according to the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC), ''enables clients and client communities to actualize choices and access resources.'' 7 The Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada defines an advocate as one who ''responsibly uses his or her knowledge and expertise to promote the health and wellbeing of individual clients, communities, populations, and the profession.''…”

Clinical Commentary on Mistry et al.

“…In a survey on leadership among Canadian physical therapists, the top-rated characteristics of physical therapy leaders were communication, professionalism, and credibility. 7 Formal leadership training in graduate programmes can develop these skills and could actually be an area of focus for PPCD degrees. Creating physical therapy leaders and advocates at early career stages is essential to establish our role within the health care system and sustain our profession in the competitive health care environment.…”

Clinician's Commentary on Desveaux et al.

“…They found that 80% of respondents self-identify as leaders. 1 Their findings are an essential step toward the selfawareness that will allow physiotherapists to pursue leadership roles within the health care system.…”

“…2 Desveaux and colleagues' study is well timed, as it recognizes the importance of leadership within the profession and identifies potential areas of impact for leadership development. 1 Furthermore, the Leadership Division is developing a curriculum of core competencies in professional self-awareness, modelling leadership behaviours, and acknowledging leadership qualities in others within the profession and across the health care system, 3 incorporating the key findings of Desveaux and colleagues' study. The curriculum also incorporates the seven roles identified in the Essential Competencies Profile for Physiotherapists.…”