Perceived preparedness and training needs of new graduate physiotherapists' working with First Nations Australians.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is a considerable and ongoing health gap experienced by First Nations Australians. Physiotherapists play an integral role in the health care of this population; however, little is known about new graduate preparedness and training needs to work in a First Nations context. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of new graduate physiotherapists regarding their preparedness and training needs for working with First Nation Australians. METHODS: Qualitative telephone, semi-structured interviews of new graduate physiotherapists (n = 13) who have worked with First Nations Australians in the last two years. Inductive, reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Five themes were generated 1) limitations of pre-professional training; 2) benefits of work integrated learning; 3) 'on the job' development; 4) intrapersonal factors and efforts; and 5) insights into improving training. CONCLUSION: New graduate physiotherapists perceive that their preparedness to work in a First Nations health context is supported by practical and varied learning experiences. At the pre-professional level, new graduates benefit from work integrated learning and opportunities that evoke critical self-reflection. At the professional level, new graduates express a need for 'on the job' development, peer supervision, and tailored professional development, that focuses on the unique perspectives of the specific community in which they work.