Preparedness for physiotherapy in private practice: Novices identify key factors in an interpretive description study

•Non-curricular activities enhanced perceptions of preparedness for private practice.•Clinical practicum in private practice boosted perceptions of preparedness.•Novices report hospital-focused curriculum with gaps in radiological instruction.•Skills specific to the context of private practice physiotherapy were identified.•Supportive colleagues may fill gaps in novice preparedness and encourage confidence.

BackgroundPhysiotherapists in Australia deliver services to a diverse range of clients, across many settings, however little research exists examining graduate preparedness for practice, even in the populous field of private practice.ObjectivesTo explore novice physiotherapist perspectives on preparedness for work in private practice.DesignThe qualitative approach of interpretive description was used to guide in-depth interviews with 8 novice physiotherapists from 3 universities working in 5 private practices in Melbourne.MethodsAll interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.FindingsFour main themes influencing graduate preparedness for work in private practice were identified: 1) non-curricular experiences (e.g. sports training) 2) elective curricular: practicum experiences; 3) curricular: attainment of skills specific to private practice; and 4) the private practice setting: supportive colleagues. This combination of non-curricular, curricular, and practice setting factors offered the necessary scaffolding for the graduates to report feeling prepared for work in private practice.ConclusionsNon-curricular activities, radiological instruction, clinical placements, building supportive colleague relations and professional development in private practice are recommended as potential means of building preparedness in novice therapists. Findings have implications for physiotherapy students, educators and private practice clinics looking to recruit new graduates.