Abstract
Background: To date there appears to be no evidence on factors that determine why physical therapists (PTs) choose to practice in the field of women's health (WH). Determining influential factors may help educators and professional organizations, such as the Section on Women's Health (SOWH), better guide new professionals and promote WH clinical practice.
Objective: To determine factors that influence a PT's decision to specialize or practice within the WH field.
Study Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Methods: A survey link was sent to all members of the SOWH (N = 2759). The survey consisted of demographic information and questions about factors that have positively or negatively influenced the PT's decision to enter WH practice. A [chi]2 analysis was performed to determine which demographic factors were significantly (P < .05) associated with a respondent's practice decision.
Results: A total of 204 participants completed the survey for a response rate of 7.4%. The respondents represented multiple geographic locations, practice settings, and educational backgrounds. A majority (59%) of respondents reported having little or no knowledge of WH practice prior to graduating from their entry-level education programs. The participants reported the most influential factors were personal interest (92%) followed by WH being an area of need in health care (87%). Barriers included lack of awareness, mentorship, and access to continuing education.
Conclusions: A focus on quality mentorship and increased awareness of WH as a specialty area both within entry-level PT education programs and among practicing PTs may influence the number of clinicians who enter WH practice.