What factors influence United Kingdom physiotherapists to specialise in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy?

Introduction or background It is unclear what influenced physiotherapists to specialise in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (CRP). Aims and objectives The aims of the study were to: (1) indicate the factors that influenced physiotherapists to specialise in CRP; (2) explore what influenced their speciality choice in practice. Methods A cross-sectional online survey included a mix of 5-point Likert scale, yes/no and open-ended questions. The survey was distributed via social media using LimeSurvey. UK-based physiotherapists were included. The study was approved by the St George‘s, University of London REC (Ref: 2020.0069). Descriptive statistics were used to present findings. Open-ended questions responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Eighty-six CRP were included. The majority were female (n=71, 83%), aged 25-34 years and Band 7 (63%). Fifty-one (59.3%) responders did not plan to specialise in CRP as a student. Top three factors which influenced 'very much‘ their choice of speciality were: interest in CRP (n=56, 65.1%), acute setting (n=54, 62.8%), and knowledge of CRP (n=37, 43%). The top factors 'not at all‘ influencing were: a convenient location (n=30, 34.9%), the working hours/availability (n=29, 33.7%), and university educators/lecturers (n=26, 30.2%). Patient care within setting (n=38; 44.2%), interest in CRP (n=32; 37.2%) and mentorship/role models (n=22; 25.6%) were the most influential factors. Two core themes were positive and negative placement experience and sub-themes were mentorship, enjoyment of the clinical environment and inter-professional working. Conclusions Fostering interest, positive clinical environment and mentoring are some of the key factors leading to decision to specialise in CRP in UK.