Exploring the Experiences and Impacts of Research Role-Emerging Placements in Physiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Research role-emerging placements (RREPs) have been integrated into placement offerings in Canadian physiotherapy programmes. The purpose of the present study is to describe the experiences and impacts of RREPs completed by graduates of Canadian physiotherapy programmes.

METHODS

Participants were recruited by purposive sampling and completed semi-structured interviews to explore their RREP experiences. Themes were identified using thematic analysis and collaboratively analyzed using the DEPICT model.

RESULTS

Eleven participants who completed RREPs during their Canadian physiotherapy programmes (three men, eight women; aged 26.9 [SD 2.7] years) took part in this study. The participants expressed the RREP was a valuable experience. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Motivators for selecting an RREP included interest in research or a medical injury, (2) The RREP experience involved benefits and challenges, (3) Impacts of completing an RREP, and (4) RREP participant suggestions.

CONCLUSIONS

RREPs are valuable placement opportunities for learners in Canadian physiotherapy programmes facilitating the development of essential competencies in a non-traditional setting. RREPs could be considered as a placement opportunity for other allied health programmes, as the skills gained are beneficial for all health care professionals.