Perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of Polish universities of various educational orientations

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński – Perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of Polish universities of various educational orientations. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(2); 109-121

Abstract
Background. In Poland at present, physiotherapy studies are offered at three types of school: medical universities, universities of physical education, and schools not specialising in either the medical sciences or physical education. The aim was to compare the perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of different types of universities. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 1145 1st year BA programme students from eleven schools in Poland. The study utili-sed the diagnostic poll method – a questionnaire, which comprised three parts. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used along with the median test and the Chi-squared test (p<0.05). Results. Most students stated that the professional status of physiotherapists is lower than that of doctors (above 52%), but is higher than that of nurses (above 70%). 92% of the students believed that physiotherapists and physicians should work together as partners (p=NS). The vast ma-jority (70%) of the students believed that the physiotherapist profession is related to medicine rather than physical education. Conclusions. 1. The educational orientation of the university did not influence first-year students’ perception of their futurę profession in this study with most of the surveyed stating that physiotherapist is a medical profession. 2. In the light of the findmgs of foreign authors, there is a ne-ed to carry out a study in Poland that would address the issue of the position of the physiotherapist in the therapeutic team in relation to the doctor and the team nurse as well as the other members of the team: dietitian, psychologist and occupational adviser.
Key words:
medical education, physiotherapy, type of university, perception of the profession
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation among physiotherapy students at variously oriented university-level schools in Poland

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński

Tomasz Wolny, Edward Saulicz, Rafał Gnat, Mirosław Kokosz, Michał Kuszewski, Andrzej Myśliwiec – Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation among physiotherapy students at variously oriented university-level schools in Poland. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(3); 232-244

Abstract
Background. There is considerable interest in studying physiotherapy in Poland and in many countries of the European Union. The objective was to identify the factors that motivate applicants to choose Physiotherapy studies and find out what students know about working in Poland and other EU countries. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 954 1st year BA students from eleven universities: medical sciences (MS), physical education (PE), and other universities (OU). The statistical analysis was based on questionnaires obtained from : 211 MS, 118 PE and 625 OU. Results. Students relied on advice of active physiotherapists when choosing a study programme: 62% ME, 57% PE and 68% OU. Respondents would like to study for the Master’s degree and take up work: 55% PM, 56% PWF and 62% IP. Students were not familiar with employment opportunities: 87% MS, 91% PE and 73%. The most important factors aiding in finding a job are knowledge and skills: 43% MS, 42% PE and 45% OU. Conclusions. 1. The respondents did not choose studies by accident but based their decision on stereotypes. 2. Universities should set great store by their teaching standards as applicants decide to choose a university on the basis of opinions about the particular university. 3. There is a need to develop a professional information service on study opportunities in physiotherapy in Poland that would necessarily include objective information regarding employment opportunities for physiotherapists in EU countries and in the world.
Key words:
employment situation, motivation, European Union, physiotherapy, type of university
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Analysis of changes in attitudes towards starting the chosen career among physiotherapy students during their Bachelor program studies at university-level schools of differenteducational orientations

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kuła, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński, Andrzej Wall

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kuła, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński, Andrzej Wall – Analysis of changes in attitudes towards starting the chosen career among physiotherapy students during their Bachelor program studies at university-level schools of differenteducational orientations. Fizjoterapia Polska 2010; 10(1); 25-36

Abstract
Background. The education of physiotherapists in Poland takes place at three types of university-level schools: medical universities, universities of physical education and universities of other orientations. The orientations differ in terms of: educational traditions, teaching quality and various approaches to the subject of study. The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of the futurę career in physiotherapy by comparing first- and third-year students from universities of different orientations. Material and methods. The study involved 1145 students from 11 university-level schools. The same students were sun/eyed twice: during the first and third year of their studies. The research tool was a yoluntary anonymous questionnaire designed by the authors containing a total of 88 questions. The analysis (Statsoft STATISTICA 8) was based on the following non-parametric statistical tests: the chi-square (x2) test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p<0.05). Results. The third-year students were morę willing to undertake Master-level studies and significantly less willing to embarkon their chosen career than when they were in the first year. While the familiarity with opportunities for starting their career as physiotherapists had increased significantly, most students still declared that they were not familiar with them. Most students claimed that it was easy to findajob in other European Union countnes. Conclusions. 1. In the study group, the school orientation had no significant influence on the students’attitude towards their futurę chosen career. 2. It is important that the education curricula for the students of Bachelor-level studies in physiotherapy be complemented with objecth/e source.
Key words:
students, vocational attitudes, starting a career, European Union
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Analysis of physiotherapy students’ opinions on curricula in university-level schools of different educational orientations

Dariusz Białoszewski, Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński

Dariusz Białoszewski, Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński – Analysis of physiotherapy students’ opinions on curricula in university-level schools of different educational orientations. Fizjoterapia Polska 2010; 10(2); 136-148

Abstract
Introduction and Objective. Physiotherapy as a university degree programme was first offered in Poland in 1997, with courses including 3-year Bachelor-level and 2-year Master-level programmes. The education of physiotherapists in Poland currently takes place at three types of university-level schools: medical universities (MS), universities of physical education (PE) and university-level schools of orientations not connected with medicine or physical education (OU).This study aims to analyse and compare opinions of MS, PE and OU students on the curricula offered by the three types of university-level schools. Material and methods. The study involved a total of 593 students in their third year of Bachelor programme studies from 10 university-level schools of different educational orientations. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous involved completing a questionnaire distributed in March and April 2009. The questionnaire, designed by the authors, consisted of 4 parts and contained a total of 88 questions. The statistical analysis of the survey data (STATISTICA 9.0) was conducted using the Kruskall-Wallis test. Results. The majority of MS students believed the amount of practical classes was appropriate, while PE and OU participants assessed it as insufficient (p=NS). The MS students were satisfied with the amount of time of working directly with patients during clinical classes, while their PE and OU counterparts found the time insufficient. The largest number of MS, PE and OU participants declared that training in special techniques in physiotherapy was insufficient (p=NS). Conclusions. 1. It would be advisable to combine the clinical experience of medical universities with the facilities and teaching staff of specialists in physiotherapy-related courses available in universities of physical education in order to improve the quality of physiotherapy education in Poland.2. In view of the current level of research in physiotherapy, it seems important to provide students with high quality training in state-of-the-art physiotherapy techniques.
Key words:
physiotherapy, students, Bachelor-degree programmes, medical universities, universities of physical education
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation – differences between female and male students of physiotherapy at university-level schools in Poland

Katarzyna Barczyk, Joanna Gotlib, Aleksandra Bauer, Dariusz Białoszewski, Piotr Majcher, Maciej Płaszewski, Anna Cabak, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Wojciech Kułak, Janusz Sierdziński

Katarzyna Barczyk, Joanna Gotlib, Aleksandra Bauer, Dariusz Białoszewski, Piotr Majcher, Maciej Płaszewski, Anna Cabak, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Wojciech Kułak, Janusz Sierdziński – Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation – differences between female and male students of physiotherapy at university-level schools in Poland. Fizjoterapia Polska 2010; 10(4); 307-316

Abstract
Background. The present paper analyses and compares the factors that motivate female and male students of physiotherapy to take up these studies and examines students awareness of the employment situation in their future profession.
Material and methods. The diagnostic poll method (anonymous and voluntary question naire). The study sample comprised 1st year Bachelor programme students from eleven university-level schools. The statistical analysis was based on question naires obtained from 954 students. The survey was carried out in 2006, at the beginning of the 1st semester of the Bachelor’s programme. Outcome measures The Mann–Whitney U test was used at a significance level of p<0.05. Results. Personal interest was the only factor that influenced the decision to study physiotherapy and differentiated between the male and female students. For a significantly higher percentage of the female students (p<0.001), studying physiotherapy had been a life-long ambition. The vast majority of the students stated that they were not familiar with all opportunities for finding employment as physiotherapists. The vast majority of the students believed that it is easy to find employment as a physiotherapist in other European Union countries, with female students stating so significantly more frequently (p<0.05) than their male counter parts
Conclusion. Men and women share similar expectations of their future job and motivations
Key words:
sex differences, physiotherapy, education, occupations, perception, students
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Analysis of career development among Physiotherapy graduates based on a profiled electronic survey. Pilot study

Dariusz Białoszewski, Joanna Gotlib

Dariusz Białoszewski, Joanna Gotlib – Analysis of career development among Physiotherapy graduates based on a profiled electronic survey. Pilot study. Fizjoterapia Polska 2011; 11(3); 213-226

Abstract
Background. The amended Higher Education Act, mandatory for all Polish university-level schools since 1st October 2011, introduces an
obligation to analyse the career development of graduates as part of procedures aiming to assess the quality of education (Art. 13a). The objective
of this study was to analyse the career development of those graduating from Bachelor-level and Master-level programmes in Physiotherapy using
a profiled electronic survey.
Material and methods. A total of 132 persons (students of 26 university-level schools) responded to an on-line survey profiled especially for
the specific degree programme. Women accounted for 74% of the study group and men represented 21% [A 5% TO OBOJNAKI? ] . The average
age of respondents was 25 years (range: 21-39; SD=3.9). Forty-six per cent of participants graduated from Bachelor-level programmes (AI) and
54% completed Master-level studies (AII). Statistical analysis was carried out with STATISTICA 9.0 (licensed to WMU) and based on the Mann-
Whitney U test (p<0.05).
Results. Thirty-five per cent of graduates started to search for employment immediately after obtaining the diploma (p=NS). Twenty per cent
of the respondents looked for a job for less than one month; most used the Internet for that purpose (p=NS). Most participants worked in
kinesiotherapy (p=NS). The largest proportion of AI and AII found employment thanks to the help of family members. Over 40% of the respondents
would like study towards obtaining a specialisation in physiotherapy, while more than 25% were not aware of such a possibility. Twenty per cent of
AI and thirty-three per cent of AII used the services of a Career Office. A majority considered working abroad but only a small group was familiar
with the conditions of undertaking employment in other countries.
Conclusions. 1. Research on career development among graduates of Physiotherapy degree programmes based on profiled, targeted on-line
questionnaires sent directly to graduates seems to represent a good method of studying their career paths. 2. It is necessary to supplement the
research on career development among graduates of Bachelor-level and Master-level programmes with a survey among their potential employers.
3. It seems necessary to make available wider information about undertaking employment abroad by physiotherapists as well as to intensify and
promote the activity of university-based Career Offices. 4. As informal relations play an important role in the process of finding jobs among
physiotherapists, it is advisable to encourage employers to use job competitions more widely in order to eliminate such practices. 5. The study
results represent a starting point for wider, extended and prospective multi-centre research.
Key words:
Graduates, physiotherapy, Employment, job market, electronic questionnaire
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Assessment of the Impact of Hippotherapy on the Level of Satisfaction with Life and Acceptance of Illness Among Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Dariusz Białoszewski, Monika Lewandowska, Izabela Korabiewska, Witold Rongies, Marta Woińska, Joanna Gotlib

Dariusz Białoszewski, Monika Lewandowska, Izabela Korabiewska, Witold Rongies, Marta Woińska, Joanna Gotlib – Assessment of the Impact of Hippotherapy on the Level of Satisfaction with Life and Acceptance of Illness Among Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(2); 141-146

Abstract
Background. The parents’ satisfaction with life and their acceptance of their child’s illness are important factors that directly and / or indirectly influence the process of rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hippotherapy on the level of satisfaction with life and acceptance of illness among parents of children with cerebral palsy. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2008-2010 among 94 parents of cerebrally palsied (CP) children partici­pating in hippotherapy sessions in Warsaw. The study used an original questionnaire with questions dealing with the effect of hippotherapy on selected psychological factors in the parents. The questionnaire was completed by the parents twice: before and after a one-year hippotherapy course. Two psychometric scales: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), were also used, both adapted for Polish by Juczyński. The results were analyzed statistically.Results. Overall satisfaction with life among the parents increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) during the year-long hippotherapy course. There was also a statistically significant increase in the parents’ acceptance of their children’s condition. Conclusion. Hippotherapy in CP children significantly increases their parents’ satisfaction with life and acceptance of their children’s illness.
Key words:
hippotherapy, Satisfaction with Life, acceptance of illness, Cerebral Palsy, Parents
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Vocational plans and opinion about employment of final-year first-cycle students of Physiotherapy in selected European countries

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Ugur Cavlak, Stefan Janev, Irena Kunicka, Berta Paz Lourido, Dariusz Białoszewski

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Ugur Cavlak, Stefan Janev, Irena Kunicka, Berta Paz Lourido, Dariusz Białoszewski – Vocational plans and opinion about employment of final-year first-cycle students of Physiotherapy in selected European countries. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(2); 129-140

Abstract
Introduction and aim of study. Many factors, including legal regulations pertaining to the practice of physiotherapy and employment possibilities, can influence the vocational plans of physiotherapy graduates. The aim of the study was to analyse the vocational plans of students in selected European countries. Material and methods 299 students: 20 from Bulgaria (BG), 100 from Spain (ES), 21 from Latvia (LV), 58 from Turkey (TUR), and 100 from Poland (PL), 225 females, with a mean age of 23.05 years (SD: 2.71; min/max: 21-39). An anonymous, voluntary questionnaire in national languages. Statistica 9.0, Kruskall-Wallis test, p&lt;0.05. Results Most PL students (58%) wanted to enrol in a second-cycle programme, ES (58%) wanted to take up work, TUR (48%) to continue education by attending training courses (p&lt;0.01). TUR declared familiarity with employment opportunities more frequently (86%) than PL (31%) and ES (63%) (p&lt;0.01). TUR declared more frequently (96%) than their PL (10%) and ES counterparts (22%) that it was easy to find work in their country (p&lt;0.01). PL, ES and TUR were most likely to declare that it was easy to find work in EU countries. Conclusions 1. Students believe that finding a job is easier in other EU countries than their own and so, when they enter university, they plan to look for a job abroad or they count on an improving situation on the domestic job market. 2. A professional information service on job opportunities in EU countries should be developed offering objective employment information for physiotherapists in EU. It should include predictions covering the next 3-4 years.
Key words:
physiotherapy, Graduates, first-cycle studies, employment, international multicentre study
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

Motivation to Commence University Studies and Satisfaction with Studying Physiotherapy Among Master’s Degree Students of Polish University-level Schools of Different Educational Profiles

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Irena Bułatowicz, Ewa Gajewska, Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon, Wojciech Kułak, Michał Plewa, Jacek Lewandowski, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Małgorzata Starczyńska, Dariusz Białoszewski

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Irena Bułatowicz, Ewa Gajewska, Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon, Wojciech Kułak, Michał Plewa, Jacek Lewandowski, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Małgorzata Starczyńska, Dariusz Białoszewski – Motivation to Commence University Studies and Satisfaction with Studying Physiotherapy Among Master’s Degree Students of Polish University-level Schools of Different Educational Profiles. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(3); 213-227

Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyse factors which motivate students to commence university studies as well as to analyse the level of satisfaction with studying among a group of Master’s degree students in their final semester. 1942 second year Master’s degree students. Voluntary and anonymous questionnaire studies. The approval of the Ethical Review Board of WUM was not necessary. The questionnaire was developed by the authors and comprised 74 questions. STATISTICA 10.0 (license WUM), tests: Chi-square, Kruskall-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U (p&lt;0.05). The students declared the level of satisfaction with studying at PM: 3.44, PWF: 3.54 and IP: 3.52 (H=17.167; p&lt;.000). A half of the study group would choose a Physiotherapy course again, 30% would choose the same university. 36% got acquainted with the curriculum of a Master’s degree course (p=NS). 56% reported that the curriculum content concerning orthopaedics was repeated most often, manual therapy and massage was repeated least often (34%). The largest proportion of the students declared that a Master’s degree course improved their skills. 1. The modification of curricula seems to be necessary. It should consists in prolongation of the duration of a Bachelor’s degree course and in putting a greater emphasis on a strictly occupational training and more efficient use of hours devoted to the work with patients. 2. The modification may be performed with the use of the curricula which are consistent with the guidelines of European and National Qualification Frameworks. The emphasis there is put mainly on outcomes of education and e-learning. 3. The assessment of the level of satisfaction with learning at a Master’s degree Physiotherapy course among students who had changed the educational profile of a university, as well as a detailed analysis of the curricula of a Master’s degree course seem to be important in order to extend the study.
Key words:
physiotherapy, a Master’s degree course, educational profile of a university-level school, Quality of teaching, satisfaction with studying
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim

 

Development as a physiotherapist towards professionalization during a Master’s degree course among students of university-level schools of different educational profiles

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Irena Bułatowicz, Ewa Gajewska, Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon, Wojciech Kułak, Michał Plewa, Jacek Lewandowski, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Małgorzata Starczyńska, Dariusz Białoszewski

Joanna Gotlib, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Andrzej Bugajski, Irena Bułatowicz, Ewa Gajewska, Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon, Wojciech Kułak, Michał Plewa, Jacek Lewandowski, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Małgorzata Starczyńska, Dariusz Białoszewski – Development as a physiotherapist towards professionalization during a Master’s degree course among students of university-level schools of different educational profiles. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(4); 313-325

Abstract
The professionalization of the physiotherapist profession is a dynamic process in Poland, which can be seen in the number of academic organizational units, formation of PTF, and development of academic research. The study aimed to analyse the process of professionalization among a group of final semester Master’s degree students of Polish university-level schools of different educational profiles.1942 second year Master’s degree students took part in the study. 1600 students were qua­lified to the statistical analysis: 570 PM students, 464 PWF students, and 566 IP students. Voluntary and anonymous que­stionnaire studies. The questionnaire was developed by the authors and comprised 74 questions. STATISTICA 10.0 program (Warsaw Medical University license) and the following non-parametric statistical tests: Chi-square, Kruskall-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U (p&lt;0.05).Only 6% of students engaged themselves in the activity of a Student Research Society (SRS) (p&lt;.000). Only 28% of students actively took part course in a scientific conference (p&lt;0.834). As little as 18% of students actively parti­cipated in a research study/research project (p&lt;.000). The vast majority of students declared that they did not publish any article. 40% of the students declared participation in additional occupational courses. The vast majority of students had found out about the courses from the Internet (H=7.896, p&lt;0.019) and declared that they would like to get objective infor­mation on the courses during their university classes (H=0.247, p&lt;0.883). 1. University-level should develop programmes to pick up outstandingly talented individuals in order to provide them with an individual path of scientific development and build closer tights between these graduates and the school in the future. 2. Physiotherapy students seem to have a practical attitude towards the post-graduation training, which is more oriented to the content and usefulness and less oriented to temporary trends in physiotherapy. 3. There is an urgent need that university-level schools educating prospective physiotherapists develop educational programmes which would deal to a greater extend than it is at present with modern methods used in physiotherapy and which would constitute specific guidebooks in which students would be able to find information on the best parallel and post-graduate directions of further studies.
Key words:
professionalization, certified occupational courses, scientific work, postgraduate education
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim