Content analysis of current role/job descriptors for Band 5/junior physiotherapists and mapping of these to Physiotherapy Professional standards of practice

Background: KNOWBEST was a mixed methods study exploring the KNOWledge, BEhaviours and Skills required of the modern physioTherapy graduate. Objectives: To undertake a content analysis of current role descriptors (RDs) for Band5/junior physiotherapists and map these to the knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required for contemporary physiotherapy practice. Design: Content analyses and mapping. Setting: All health care settings: Participants: Available RDs for newly qualified/Band 5 physiotherapists across a representative range of roles and settings for this stage of a physiotherapist's career across the UK and all health care settings. Methods: Job descriptors were obtained using three approaches 1) via direct upload to the study website, 2) on-line searches of job vacancies, 3) directly emailing managers to fill any gaps in representativeness. Data regarding knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes were extracted, coded (BC) and checked (CML). Data analyses: Documentary content analyses and mapping of these to Professional Standards of practice. Results: 19 RDs were analysed. High expectations of behaviours and attributes, and extensive pre-requisite knowledge and skills were identified and detailed. Considerable variability was seen across RDs, at least seven being suited to more highly specialist and/or experienced staff. Equality, diversity and inclusivity concerns were evidenced. Active research was not included in many RDs and not mentioned in any standards. Digital learning and skills were not strongly evidenced. Conclusions: A review of Band 5/Junior post and RD requirements is recommended including a standard template developed to promote equity. Professional standards emphasise some pillars of practice, such as clinical, more than others.