Burnout in physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in the Australian community disability sector under the national disability insurance scheme: a qualitative study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: AIM(S): This study aimed to explore the experience and perceptions of burnout in Physiotherapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) working with adults under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the community disability sector in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study uses an exploratory qualitative design. PARTICIPANTS: video conference lasting about 33 min, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using thematic analysis. COREQ research reporting checklist followed. RESULTS: Four themes and 11 sub-themes were identified including contributing factors, protective factors, consequences of burnout and proposed actions. There was consistency across all themes of a complex intersection between the individual Allied Health Professional (AHP), the workplace and the funding model of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the experience of burnout in AHPs in the community disability sector in Australia, offering perspectives on the dynamics of the unique roles of OT's and PT's while offering practical and actionable recommendations for both AHPs and workplaces.
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation
Authors: Megan Currie, Hila Ariela Dafny
Institutions: Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute
Language: English
Topic: Stress and Burnout Research
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4408803618