title: A qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the job satisfaction and career development of physiotherapists in private practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate factors contributing to job satisfaction at different career stages, among private practice physiotherapists in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative case study design utilising focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen participants allocated to 3 focus groups: new graduates (n = 6), post graduates (n = 5) and practice owners (n = 5).
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was undertaken to determine themes and subthemes from each focus group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The key themes identified within each focus group included the role of peer support and mentoring, professional development, professional relationships, new graduate employment issues and career pathways within private practice. In particular, issues surrounding the new graduate experience in private practice were explored, with all groups noting lack of support and financial pressures were of concern.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings demonstrated that new graduates are underprepared to work in private practice and modifications to the delivery of peer support, mentoring and professional development is required. Key recommendations include physiotherapy undergraduate program reform to reflect industry requirements in private practice, an increase in private practice clinical placement numbers, as well as streamlining the physiotherapy profession to improve career development pathways.
authors.affiliation: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 32 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6959, Australia.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 32 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6959, Australia. Electronic address: susan.edgar@nd.edu.au.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Edgar
authors.affiliation: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 32 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6959, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Debenham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002322:Career Mobility; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000523:psychology*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Job satisfaction; New graduate; Physiotherapists; Private practice