Factors associated with the retention and attrition of physiotherapists in Australia: insights from the Physiotherapy Attrition and Retention Collaboration project
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors influencing retention and attrition of physiotherapists in Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey and analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration data, involving current or previously registered physiotherapists, was undertaken. RESULTS: Among participants, 6045 (80.2%) intended to stay in the profession, 711 (9.3%) were unsure, and 779 (10.3%) intended to leave. Of those intending to leave, 87% wanted to leave within 1 year. Reasons for leaving included retirement, unsatisfactory remuneration, lack of career advancement, professional dissatisfaction, and mental burnout. Respondents more likely to leave or be unsure included: older physiotherapists (over 50: OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0), those with fewer than 15 years of experience (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), males (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.4), practitioners with further qualifications (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4), those without Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) membership (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.5-2.0), those with membership but non-practising (OR = 12.2, 95% CI = 9.2-16.1), and unregistered practitioners (OR = 39.5, 95% CI = 28.7-54.4). From 2014 to 2023, physiotherapists per 100,000 population rose by 41.6%, and the replacement rate (~2.5) remained stable overall, with higher replacement rates among males. CONCLUSION: Most physiotherapists intended to stay, with registration data indicating strong workforce growth and stable replacement rates over the past decade. However, nearly one in five physiotherapists plan to leave or remain uncertain - most citing retirement, remuneration, career progression, dissatisfaction, or burnout as reasons. Strategies targeting these factors may improve retention.
Source: Australian Health Review
DOI: 10.1071/ah25095
Authors: Rechu Divakar, Jade Tan, Lee Barclay, Bronwyn Darmanin, Paula Harding, Sheila Lennon, Gillian McDermott, Jackie Robertson, Lowana Williams, Sunita Bapuji Bayyavarapu, Sarah Anderson, Kim Gibson
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4416738560