To Be or Not to Be a Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist: Factors That Influence Career Choice in a Sample of Canadian Physiotherapists

Purpose: This study explored the factors that influence choosing or not choosing a career in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy (CRP) from the perspective of a group of currently practising, experienced physiotherapists in Canada. Methods: A modified Dillman approach was used to distribute a cross-sectional, self-administered, online questionnaire to all eligible members of the cardiorespiratory and orthopaedic divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. A total of 438 participants—21 CRP and 417 non-CRP therapists—completed the survey. The survey response rate was 9.4%. Results: A narrow scope of practice (61.9%) and a lack of interest in CRP subject matter (50.1%) were the most influential factors deterring the respondents from making CRP their career choice. Interest in CRP (81.0%), mentorship (76.2%), access to physical resources (76.2%), and inter-professional practice (71.4%) were the most influential factors in pursuing a career in CRP. Conclusion: Increasing the awareness of the scope of practice for CRP, exposure to positive mentors, and rich practice settings are key factors in promoting physiotherapists' specialisation in CRP.

To Be or Not to Be a Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist: Factors That Influence Career Choice in a Sample of Canadian Physiotherapists Journal Articles