Profile of the physiotherapy profession in New South Wales (1975–2002)

Abstract

This was the first study known to the authors exploring workforce data from the New South Wales Physiotherapists Registration Board over several decades. Labour force statistics were examined from various data sources over the years 1975 to 2002. The results indicate that the demographics and working patterns of physiotherapists in New South Wales have remained remarkably stable over time. The workforce continues to grow, however the growth rate has decreased markedly with only a 2.3% increase from 2001 to 2002. The proportion of men within the profession is steadily increasing; in 1975 men accounted for 5.2% of physiotherapists, in 2000 23.5% of physiotherapists were male. While the male workforce increases, the female workforce is ageing. The modal age for female physiotherapists has steadily increased from 25-29 years in 1975 to 40-44 years in 2001. Importantly, in relation to attrition, the degree of workforce participation has not undergone significant change since 1987. Although labour force analysis has demonstrated that the workforce is in shortage, attrition does not appear to be the major contributor to this situation. The proportion of the profession who are inactive has remained relatively stable since 1987. More pertinent to the current shortage is the slowing of the growth rate of the profession while demand for physiotherapy services continues to rise.

Learning Lumbar Spine Mobilization: The Effects of Frequency and Self-Control of Feedback

“…J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42 (2) 2,36 and are expected to apply manual forces competently to minimize the potential for adverse effects. 7,18 There is moderate evidence of the effectiveness of spinal mobilization for treating low back pain, which is supported by several systematic reviews and clinical guidelines.…”

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“…While the private sector increased its contribution over the 3-year period, its average contribution was only 14%. Given that in 2001 58.6% of registered physiotherapists in NSW worked in the private sector, 12 the contribution from the private sector is inadequate. This challenge has also been documented in medicine.…”

“…11 In NSW, 58.6% of registered physiotherapists work in the private health care sector. 12 We aim to provide students with experiences in the private sector, however, given only 14% of clinical placements are provided by the private sector, it is unlikely all students will have an experience in this sector.…”

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“…Although attrition rates have not been quantified in the literature, this has been determined by the limited increase in workforce participation over time and a decrease in professional life expectancy of male physiotherapists. 3,4 Anderson et al reported that whilst there was an increase in males entering the profession, male physiotherapists were not being retained, as there was no increase in the modal age of male physiotherapists over time. 3 Changes in the treatment population are also impacting on the physiotherapy workforce.…”

“…3,4 Anderson et al reported that whilst there was an increase in males entering the profession, male physiotherapists were not being retained, as there was no increase in the modal age of male physiotherapists over time. 3 Changes in the treatment population are also impacting on the physiotherapy workforce. Service provision is becoming more stretched in areas such as aged care and public health due to the ageing population.…”