2 Exploring the provision for physiotherapy students and early career workforce within cardiovascular rehabilitation: a UK based survey

<h3>Background</h3> In cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) physiotherapists work alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver exercise-based rehabilitation for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Existing research demonstrates that early exposure to a clinical specialty is influential in shaping physiotherapy career decisions. However, the current UK provision of physiotherapy work experience and pre-registration student placements in CR is unknown, as are the early career workforce opportunities. <h3>Aim</h3> To explore the provision of physiotherapy work experience, student placement and early career workforce opportunities in CR. <h3>Methods</h3> An exploratory survey was shared with all members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (ACPICR) by email and further promoted through social media channels. The survey included specific questions exploring the local provision of work experience and pre-registration student placements together with the perceived benefits and barriers to offering this provision. It further explored potential interest in ACPICR-developed resources that might support such provision. The survey also asked about band 5 physiotherapy roles within current CR services. <h3>Results</h3> 27 physiotherapists from across the UK completed the survey between July and August 2023. Results demonstrate the majority of services provide work experience (78%) and pre-registration student placements (78%). Respondents identified that offering student placements is important for giving students’ exposure to CR early in their career and could aid recruitment. The main barrier to supporting such placements was insufficient staffing (83%). Respondents were keen for resources to support student placement provision. Only 37% of services reported to have band 5 physiotherapists in their CR teams, with the majority of these posts being rotational (15%) or shared with another service (11%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The provision of work experience and pre-registration student placements is good. Many services do not have early career physiotherapists, which is a potential threat to recruitment and retention of the CR physiotherapy workforce.