Undergraduate physiotherapy students' expectations and perceptions of rural/regional clinical placements

Objective: To explore undergraduate physiotherapy students' expectations and preconceptions of undertaking a rural/regional clinical placement and determine if these preconceptions differ between regional and metropolitan-based students. Design: Data was collected via focus groups and analysed via thematic analysis of emerging themes. Setting: All focus groups were undertaken in tutorial rooms at the participating universities between classes at a time convenient to participants. Participants: Undergraduate physiotherapy students yet to complete a major clinical placement were invited to participate. Second year physiotherapy students from regional and metropolitan universities were recruited to form focus groups, allowing comparison between the two groups. Four metropolitan students and nine regional students made up the sample size. Results: Three major themes were identified via thematic analysis of transcripts; socio-cultural factors, education and professional factors. The significance of socio-cultural factors was far beyond what was expected to be found. Regional students did not generally have a more accurate perspective of rural/regional placement and voiced more concerns about missing out on educational opportunities. Conclusions: Rural/regional clinical educators need to be mindful of creating quality experiences with caseloads appropriate for the specific placement's requirements. The impact of external socio-cultural factors must be acknowledged. Supervision strategies must be put in place to ensure students on rural/regional clinical placements are well supported to achieve a successful outcome for student and educator.