Physiotherapists’ Perspectives on Professional Practice Leadership Models: Key Features to Enhance Physiotherapy Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore professional practice leadership models (PPLMs) within the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) by outlining the PPLMs currently in use, identifying elements of the PPLMs from physiotherapists’ perspectives, and determining key features of PPLMs that enhance physiotherapy (PT) practice. Methods: In this qualitative, cross-sectional study, we used focus groups to explore physiotherapists’ knowledge about their facility’s PPLM, physiotherapists’ role within the PPLM, the impact of professional practice leaders on PT practice, the impact of the PPLM on physiotherapists’ job satisfaction, and the elements of an ideal PPLM. We coded transcripts using qualitative software and followed an inductive data analysis approach to develop themes. Results: We conducted eight focus groups with physiotherapists from six TAHSN facilities (four organizations). Five key features of PPLMs emerged from participants’ perspectives: support network, organizational structure, professional development opportunities, influence of the leader in professional practice, and balance of workloads and accountabilities. Each key feature encompassed a group of interrelated elements – that is, components of the PPLMs that influenced PT practice. Conclusions: Our study is the first to explore elements and key features of the PPLMs used in TAHSN facilities as they relate to PT. We provide five recommendations to enhance PPLMs with respect to the PT profession.