Kulnik, Stefan Tino, Latzke, Markus, Putz, Peter, Schlegl, Constance, Sorge, Martina and Meriaux-Kratochvila, Silvia (2020) Attitudes towards scientific research among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Austria. In: 5th European Congress : Physiotherapy Education : Europe Region World Physiotherapy Online 2020; 11 Sep 2020, Leuven, Belgium (held online). (Unpublished)

Abstract

Background: Education of physiotherapists in basic and applied science fosters evidence-based physiotherapy practice and enables research careers of physiotherapists. In Austria, where physiotherapists have been qualifying at bachelor level since 2009, attitudes towards scientific research among undergraduate physiotherapy students have not been explored. Methods: Sixty-eight undergraduate physiotherapy students in Austria completed an anonymous cross-sectional online survey. The survey invitation was disseminated electronically in spring 2019 to student members of the professional association and via undergraduate education providers. Respondents rated research-related attitudinal statements, and importance of generic and research-related aspects of job satisfaction. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: Respondents were in their first (n=20/29.4%), second (n=16/23.5%) and third (n=32/47.1%) year of study. Most were female (n=46/67.6%) and in age groups 18-25 (n=44/64.7%) and 26-35 years (n=21/30.9%). Thirty (44.1%) had a prior professional qualification. Forty-six (67.6%) reported no research experience whatsoever. The remainder had experience from mainly undergraduate physiotherapy research projects. Attitudinal ratings demonstrated general appreciation of the importance of research for patient care and for the development of the profession, e.g. 62 (91.2%) strongly agreed with the statement ‘research is crucial for the future development of physiotherapy’. Up to a quarter indicated strong interest in conducting research, e.g. in response to the statement ‘I can envisage applying for a research-physiotherapist post in the future’. Ratings for generic aspects of job satisfaction were high, e.g. ‘having a positive influence’: mean (SD) importance 6.4 (0.9) on a 7-point scale. Research-related aspects of job satisfaction were rated of high to moderate importance, e.g. ‘opportunity for physiotherapists to take on a researcher role’: mean (SD) importance 4.3 (1.7). Discussion: Undergraduate physiotherapy students in this sample appreciated the importance of physiotherapy research for the benefit of the profession and for patient care. The findings identify a sub-group of students who indicate interest in a research career in physiotherapy. The study was limited by the small self-selected convenience sample, representing 4.9% of 1,392 undergraduate physiotherapy student places in Austria and possibly with a prior interest in research. Conclusion: These exploratory findings indicate awareness and appreciation of the importance of scientific research among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Austria.

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