Role, Training and Job Satisfaction of Physiotherapy Assistants

Physiotherapy assistants form approximately 20% of the work force within physiotherapy departments and yet little is known about them.

The purpose of this study was to assess the current role of physiotherapy assistants in one NHS Region via postal questionnaire, identifying tasks performed and levels of responsibility and supervision; assessing the level of satisfaction of physiotherapy assistants; and comparing these findings with a previous study in 1991. A response rate of 85% (424 assistants) was achieved.

The results showed that there is indication of increasing responsibility, independence and specialist skills of physiotherapy assistants since 1991. Training is locally determined and varied. Update of national training initiatives is limited. Overall physiotherapy assistants are satisfied with their jobs (91%). Specific areas of dissatisfaction are pay and career development. Satisfaction is associated with levels of supervision, in-service training and age (p < 0.05).