Embarking on a cultural journey: a qualitative study of new graduate physiotherapists' experiences of working in First Nations Australian health settings

Abstract

Introduction: Internationally, there is growing momentum in the physiotherapy profession to improve the cultural safety and capabilities of physiotherapists. In Australia, this is essential given the important role physiotherapists play in the delivery of healthcare to First Nations Australians. Understanding the experiences of the newest members of the profession who work with First Nations Australians is an important step in exploring the broader professions' cultural safety journey.

Objective: To explore new graduate physiotherapists' experiences working in First Nations Australian health settings.

Methods: The study used an interpretative phenomenological approach through semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of seven new graduate physiotherapists, in their first 2 years of practice. All participants worked within a First Nations Australian health setting for some or all of their experience as a new graduate physiotherapist.

Results: Three themes were generated: 1) enrichment through connection; 2) navigating challenges; and 3) a catalyst for self-reflection.

Conclusion: New graduate physiotherapists reported positive experiences when working within a First Nations Australian health setting, underpinned by building a strong therapeutic relationship through rapport building; navigating challenges alongside their clients; and delving into critical self-reflection.

Keywords: First Nations Australians; First Nations Peoples; indigenous; new graduate; physiotherapy; qualitative.