Research priorities to advance the physiotherapy profession: a concept-mapping study informed by the global physiotherapy community.

QUESTION: What research areas need to be addressed to advance the physiotherapy profession globally?

DESIGN

Mixed methods.

METHODS

Seventy-four individuals with advanced physiotherapy profession knowledge contributed to a five-step participatory concept-mapping process. Participants brainstormed statements in response to the above question (n = 49) and then thematically sorted (n = 29) and rated (n = 31) them for importance and feasibility (5-point Likert scales). Statements were grouped using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses, and the final cluster solution and conceptual fit of statements were iteratively reviewed and refined to optimise conceptual congruence.

RESULTS

Sixty-four unique statements were brainstormed, sorted and rated. A nine-cluster map was identified as the most appropriate representation of the data. From most to least important (number of statements, cluster mean importance/5), the clusters were: 'Prevention and rehabilitation across the lifespan' (7, 3.59); 'Technology, innovation and digital transformation' (6, 3.45); 'Equitable access and value-based care' (9, 3.38); 'Contextually responsive care' (5, 3.35); 'Generating and moving evidence into practice' (11, 3.32); 'Health systems' (8, 3.28); 'Practice competence and sustainability' (5, 3.21); 'Education and professional development' (5, 3.17); and 'Professional identity' (8, 3.12). 'Research on the impact of rehabilitation on quality of life and reduction in care needs' was rated the most feasible statement, whereas 'Investigate strategies for physiotherapists to impact the political, social and economic environment of vulnerable and marginalised populations' was the least feasible statement.

CONCLUSION

These findings are a resource for World Physiotherapy, the wider physiotherapy profession and key interest holder groups to inform research strategic direction, project development and advocacy.