Factors determining the current use of physiotherapy assistants

Ellis, B. and Connell, N.A.D. (2001) Factors determining the current use of physiotherapy assistants. Physiotherapy, 87 (2), 73 - 82. (doi:10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60444-0).

Abstract

Physiotherapy assistants form approximately 20% of the work force within physiotherapy departments and account for a large proportion of the delivery of physiotherapy care. There is great interest in developing the scope of practice of physiotherapy assistants and evidence that this is under way. Little is known about the factors determining use of physiotherapy assistants and their views on their future role. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the role of physiotherapy assistants was changing, identify the factors that affect the development of the physiotherapy assistants' role and determine the views of physiotherapy assistants and physiotherapists on the future work of physiotherapy assistants. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a stratified random sample of 18 physiotherapy assistants from the South and West Region and separately, with their 18 physiotherapy supervisors. The physiotherapy assistants worked in a range of settings – elderly care, paediatrics, outpatients and primary care. Analysis of the interviews showed that there was variation in scope of activities of physiotherapy assistants and in the level of supervision. Supervision was reduced primarily in particular specialty areas, such as elderly and primary care. Changes were primarily locally determined. A change or shortage of qualified staff was regarded as being instrumental in the development of practice. Training, levels of responsibility and supervision, and the development of generic workers were issues of concern for this changing workforce.

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