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An exploration of workplace mentoring preferences of new‐graduate physiotherapists within Australian practice
Author(s) -
Forbes Roma,
Lao Andrew,
Wilesmith Sarah,
Martin Romany
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.1872
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , clinical practice , medical education , perspective (graphical) , anxiety , qualitative research , transition (genetics) , psychology , professional development , medicine , nursing , sociology , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , artificial intelligence , psychiatry , computer science , gene
Background and Purpose The transition from student to physiotherapist involves a steep learning curve typically characterised by stress, anxiety and a lack of confidence in clinical and professional skills. Workplace mentoring is widely used to mediate this transition. The aim of this study was to explore new‐graduate physiotherapists' preferences for workplace mentoring and perceived characteristics of effective mentoring to mediate workplace transition. Methods A qualitative study with a general inductive thematic approach was used. Semi‐structured interviews of 15 employed new‐graduate physiotherapists were undertaken within their first 3–6 months of clinical practice. Results Four themes emerged that were associated with effective mentoring from the new‐graduates’ perspective: (1) accessibility of mentoring and support, (2) the ideal mentor, (3) individualised to the mentee and (4) desire for self‐determination. Discussion and Conclusion This study is the first to explore new‐graduate physiotherapists' preferences for workplace mentoring in their transition into the workplace and clinical practice. It has identified important characteristics of physiotherapists and other clinicians who support the transition of new‐graduate physiotherapists into the practice setting. Enhancing workplaces through support for the development of these characteristics can contribute to the effective integration of the newest members of the profession and may enhance their development and retention in practice.