Challenges, Perceptions, and Experiences of Recently Graduated Physiotherapists as Novice Clinicians in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Context: There is a need for exploration of the varied experiences which the newly graduated physiotherapists have after starting to work as clinicians, to get an insight if any alternations during the academic process. Aims: The study aims to explore the challenges, perceptions, and experiences of recently graduated Indian physiotherapy students as novice clinicians when they step out in the real world. Settings and Design: It was an exploratory study where 42 recently graduated physiotherapists from colleges affiliated to state health sciences university of Mumbai and Navi-Mumbai practicing for minimum 4 h a day, at least 2 months were included. Subjects and Methods: An indigenous questionnaire consisting of five domains, namely cognitive and psychomotor, preparedness, work and time management, communication, and placement experiences were developed. Following validation and pilot testing, the final questionnaire was sent to participants through Google form links. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Majority of participants felt the need to do post-graduation to treat the patients more effectively (90.47%, n = 38), felt the need to practice manual therapy (73.81%, n = 31), referred to literature for patient management (66.67%, n = 28), had poor placement experiences (68.1%, n = 22), and perceived difficulty in communication with the multidisciplinary team members (50%, n = 21). However, they felt confident in interpreting the investigations of the patients (76.1%, n = 32), correlating it with the patient’s condition (78.5%, n = 33) and also to manage the workload and documentation in time (66.3%, n = 27). Conclusions: This study gave an insight into the varied experiences of the new graduates as novice practitioners, thereby setting benchmark for academicians to plan a robust graduation and internship training program.