Canadian Physiotherapists’ Perspectives About Core Professional Values and Associated Behaviours: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Purpose: Core values influence health care professionals' behaviours and decision-making. Research has yet to examine Canadian physiotherapists’ views about core professional values (CPVs). We explore physiotherapists’ views about CPVs and associated behaviours (ABs). Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was undertaken. Narrative text data collected from members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), including physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, retired and student members, regulators, and executives and members in leadership roles during three rounds of e-Delphi surveys, conducted as part of the CPA Core Professional Values and Associated Behaviours document development process, were analyzed using descriptive content analysis by teams of two researchers. Results: Three categories (Integral … It's a given; Perhaps, it's debatable; Conflicting, competing and differing tensions and perspectives) and two sub-categories (In part, maybe, but … I'm not sure I completely agree with what you are proposing; I beg to differ … I'm not on board with what you are proposing) emerged. Accountability, integrity, and respect were perceived most positively. Wavering views regarding advocacy, client/patient-centredness, compassion/caring, and excellence were evident. Altruism, equity, and social accountability had the most contentious and divergent perspectives. Conclusion: Views about CPVs varied on a continuum from wholly positive/agreement to more neutral to ambivalent to wholly negative/disagreement. Future research, utilizing different theoretical approaches, can further our understanding about the role CPVs play in the practice of Canadian physiotherapists.