Bridging the gap: insights from newly graduated physiotherapists on preceptorship programmes in the NHS.

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapists face high attrition rates, with nearly half leaving the NHS within their first five years of qualification. Despite this, there is limited research exploring newly graduated physiotherapists’ views of preceptorship programmes, a key retention strategy designed to support clinicians during periods of transition. Aim: This thesis explores the views and experiences of newly graduated physiotherapists on preceptorship programmes in the NHS to identify improvements for early-career support. Methods: A three-phase methodology was employed. Phase one: A systematic review explored UK literature on the views of newly graduated allied health professionals (AHPs) on preceptorship. Phase two: Healthcare professional engagement involved piloting the interview guide with a newly graduated physiotherapist, a preceptor, and an operational manager to ensure relevance. Phase three: A primary qualitative study comprised one focus group and one individual interview with newly graduated physiotherapists exploring their views on preceptorship and preceptorship programmes within the NHS. Findings: UK research on AHPs’ views of preceptorship is scarce, with only six studies identified in 25 years and minimal focus on individual professions. Stakeholders confirmed the relevance of the interview guide, strengthened the researcher’s confidence in its design, and prompted the addition of Mentimeter to promote reflection and engagement from participants. The primary study revealed the importance of preceptor-preceptee relationships in building confidence in preceptees to seek support. Organisational challenges such as delayed enrolment, inconsistent preceptor allocation, and a limited understanding and awareness of preceptorship among senior and managerial staff were also identified. Participants perceived content to be nursing focused, which impacted engagement and could weaken professional identity.