Supporting physiotherapy learners in practice settings: a mixed methods evaluation of experiences of physiotherapy educators

Figures & data

Table 1. Key domains demonstrating perceptions of self-confidence and experience in supporting learners in practice.

	Facilitating peer learning (N = 202)	TECS (Technology Enabled Care Services) (N = 192)	Supervising multiple students (N = 198)	Managing challenging students (N = 204)
Very experienced	28% (N = 56)	6% (N = 11)	16% (N = 32)	26% (N = 53)
Moderately experienced	34% (N = 69)	20% (N = 39)	22% (N = 44)	38% (N = 77)
Slightly experienced	32% (N = 64)	29% (N = 55)	28% (N = 55)	26% (N = 52)
Not at all experienced	6% (N = 13)	45% (N = 87)	34% (N = 67)	11% (N = 22)
	Facilitating peer learning (N = 201)	TECS (Technology Enabled Care Services) (N = 193)	Supervising multiple students (N = 196)	Managing challenging students (N = 204)
Very confident	31% (N = 62)	10% (N = 20)	24% (N = 47)	26% (N = 53)
Moderately confident	31% (N = 63)	23% (N = 44)	26% (N = 51)	37% (N = 76)
Slightly confident	29% (N = 59)	27% (N = 54)	23% (N = 45)	24% (N = 48)
Not at all confident	9% (N = 17)	39% (N = 75)	27% (N = 53)	13% (N = 27)

Table 2. Motivating factors and barriers to participation in practice-based education.

Motivating factors:	Count (N = 204)	Percentage
Develop future physios	61	30%
More time to support students	35	17%
Institutional (university) support	30	15%
Career development	27	13%
Financial incentive	26	13%
Enjoy teaching	25	12%
Enhance student experience	18	8%
Develop workforce	16	8%
Job satisfaction	15	7%
Promote physiotherapy specialism	14	7%
Personal development	13	6%
Learn from students	12	6%
Training	12	6%
Passion for profession	10	5%
Barriers:	Count (N = 203)	Percentage
Current workload	106	52%
Lack of time	103	50%
Issues/challenges with students	44	22%
Staffing levels	30	15%
Lack of resources	30	15%
Students not suited for placement	27	13%
Lack of support from institution (University)	18	9%
Stress	14	7%
Job satisfaction	12	6%
COVID restrictions	10	5%
Administrative challenges	10	5%

Table 3. Challenges to the educator and workplace.

Educator
Challenges
Code	Count (N = 193)	Percent
Lack of time	91	47%
Increased workload	68	35%
Confidence to support students	16	8%
Part-time work challenges	10	5%
Managing/supervising student(s)	10	5%
Workplace
Challenges
Code	Count (N = 174)	Percent
Space challenges	70	40%
Increased workload	49	28%
Lack of IT equipment	26	15%
Lack of time	25	14%
Staff shortages	17	10%
COVID-related issues including staff redeployment to other clinical areas, staff sickness and shortage of patients able to undertake rehabilitation	10	6%

Table 4. Benefits to the educator and workplace.

Educator
Benefits
Code	Count (N = 195)	Percent
Skills development	53	27%
Learning with students	40	21%
Reflecting on own practice	34	17%
Self-development	34	17%
Supporting student development	21	11%
Career progression due to increased skills	15	8%
Development of future workforce	10	5%
Workplace
Benefits
Code	Count (N = 174)	Percent
Potential future staff	48	33%
New perspectives on practice	34	23%
Interdisciplinary working	23	16%
Students contribute to supporting clinician’s workload	16	11%
Shared learning between clinician and student	11	8%
Build reputation of the organization	10	7%
New perspectives on the evidence base from students	10	7%

Table 5. Characteristics of focus group attendees.

Focus group	Job title
A	Learning disabilities Senior Physiotherapist Health Education England Placement facilitator Physiotherapy fellow (non-clinical) Clinical Placement Expansion facilitator Cardiorespiratory senior clinician CSP manager/advisor
B	Physiotherapist intermediate care Placement expansion facilitator Physiotherapist team lead in musculoskeletal obstetrics post-natal Learning disabilities physiotherapist
C	Trainee advanced practitioner Specialist weight management physio Physiotherapy CSP advisor Learning disabilities physiotherapist Practice educator for physiotherapists

Note: CSP = Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Table

29	Mentoring/Coaching Students	Likert scale
30	Facilitating Peer Learning	Likert scale
31	TECS (Technology Enabled Care Services – including virtual remote consultations and contact with patients and or students)	Likert scale

Table

48	Mentoring/Coaching Students	Likert scale
49	Facilitating Peer Learning	Likert scale
50	TECS (Technology Enabled Care Services – including virtual remote consultations and contact with patients and or students)	Likert scale