Facilitators of effective interprofessional collaborative practice for physiotherapy private practitioners: An interpretive descriptive study

Introduction

Despite the growing presence of physiotherapy private practitioners within Australia's health care workforce, little is known about their perspectives of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP). The aim of this study was to explore the facilitators of IPCP from the perspective of Australian physiotherapy private practitioners.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 physiotherapists and 64 h of observation was completed in 10 private practice sites in Queensland, Australia. Interview and observation data were pooled and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Data analysis produced four main themes and three sub-themes that characterised physiotherapists’ perspectives on the facilitators of IPCP: (a) close physical proximity (integrated team membership; co-location; interior architecture); (b) technological advancements; (c) complex client presentations; and (d) positive professional reputation.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the facilitators of IPCP from the perspective of physiotherapy private practitioners. Emphasising close physical proximity of multiple health practitioners, leveraging technological innovations, recognising the value of IPCP for clients with chronic and complex care needs, and cultivating positive professional reputations can promote effective IPCP for physiotherapy private practitioners. The findings from this research may be used to guide the development of innovative strategies that will support robust and sustainable models of IPCP in the physiotherapy private practice setting.