Exploring the Confidence and Attitudes of Physiotherapy Students Working With People Experiencing Mental Ill Health: A Mixed-Methods Study

INTRODUCTION: Due to the rising prevalence of mental illness (MI), physiotherapists are likely to work with this population with increasing frequency. This study aimed to explore the confidence, attitudes, and curriculum perceptions of physiotherapy students in the United Kingdom to work with people experiencing MI.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although studies have explored attitudes of physiotherapy and health care students working with people experiencing MI, few have examined the impact of these attitudes on confidence in practice and curriculum development.

SUBJECTS: Preregistration physiotherapy students from across the United Kingdom (n = 141) completed a web-based survey, with 21 students participating in semi-structured interviews.

METHODS: A sequential mixed-methods study was conducted, including a web-based survey and 1:1 semi-structured interviews to explore the confidence and attitudes of physiotherapy students around working with people experiencing MI.

RESULTS: Overall confidence levels (0-100 scale) to work with people experiencing MI was 35.6 (±21.9). There was a significant relationship between confidence working with people experiencing MI and time covering mental health within the curriculum so far, and overall perceived curriculum coverage of mental health and illness. Analysis of qualitative interviews identified 5 major themes: 1) A current lack of confidence and preparedness to address mental health; 2) Gaining competence from experience (placement and life); 3) Integrating the physical and the psychological; 4) Lack of role clarity; 5) A need to educate the workforce.

DISCUSSION: Preregistration physiotherapy students demonstrate a lack of confidence in working with people experiencing MI. Increased exposure within teaching and clinical experience was identified both quantitatively and qualitatively to increase confidence levels.

CONCLUSION: Although attitudes to working with people experiencing MI are positive, recommendations to increase physiotherapy student confidence include increasing curriculum coverage through directed teaching, case-based learning, an integrated approach to physical and mental health, and simulation experiences.