An exploration of the influences of the UCL postgraduate paediatric physiotherapy education on professional development of international student alumni

Abstract

Background: Dealing with children requires specific knowledge and skills. Postgraduate education can enhance physiotherapists’ professional development. There is limited research exploring the influence of postgraduate studies on physiotherapists’ professional development. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the influence of a University College London (UCL) postgraduate paediatric physiotherapy programme (PPPP) on international alumni’s professional development. Method: A cross-sectional web-based mixed survey was sent to UCL international (non-UK) graduates who completed the PPPP between 2012 and 2019. A 23-item questionnaire covering five domains was developed and piloted. The target population were recruited via an email invitation, and snowball sampling via social media platforms was used to enhance recruitment. Descriptive analysis was used for closed questions and content analysis for open-ended questions. Results: twenty-two UCL PPPP postgraduates completed the survey. The majority of the participants worked in clinical practice. All participants reported improvements in their professional development particularly in current professional roles and achievement of professional goals. The majority feel more confident in their clinical practice (n=16). The majority of participants draw on research evidence in their practice (n=22). However, organisational, individual and environmental barriers were identified to limit the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Almost half of the participants (n=11) have contributed to research related projects, improved their research skills with three main themes. Conclusion: Completing PPPP has influenced the international graduates’ current professional role development, increased the graduates’ level of confidence in clinical practice and increased the level of implementing EBP and being more involved in research