Analysis of the physiotherapist's working conditions and satisfaction with the professional environment in the Lithuanian healthcare system

Study object: Physiotherapist’s opinion about working conditions and satisfaction with the professional environment Hypothesis: Physiotherapist’s working conditions are related to the satisfaction with professional environment in Lithuanian healthcare system. Problem: Lithuanian Physiotherapists are heavily overloaded with their work. It has influence on various diseases what reduces Physiotherapists’ productivity (Campo et. 2008). With a lot of gaps, “Medical standard MN124:2004” is the only document which regulates physiotherapists’ activity in Lithuania. The key question is how Physiotherapists evaluate their working conditions and ergonomics as well as what is their satisfaction with professional environment in Lithuanian healthcare system. Objective of the study: Assess physiotherapist’s working conditions and satisfaction with the professional environment in Lithuanian healthcare system. Study goals: 1. Analyze physiotherapist’s view and opinion about their working conditions. 2. Assess physiotherapist’s opinion about professional environment in Lithuanian healthcare system. 3. Determine link between physiotherapist’s working conditions and professional environment in Lithuanian healthcare system. Results: The survey has demonstrated that 7% of respondents are very satisfied with their work and 56% are satisfied. Majority respondents have indicated that they are unsatisfied with their job because of insufficient salary (n=66) - 100% and excessive workload was dissatisfaction reason for others 72% (n=52). It was observed that dominant age group of physiotherapists (26-35 years old) mainly work in “SPA” centers (65.9%) and sport clubs (76.9%). Respondents older than 56 years old have private practice (16.7%) and 46-55 years old works in clinics - (15.4%). 57% of respondents use work facilitation means: usually 10% physiotherapists are completely satisfied with them, 54% - satisfied. Lack of salary increase and opportunities for professional development were identified among 40% of physiotherapists. It is missing in Lithuania – ability to improve professionally during work - 52% and variety of jobs - 44%. Respondents of age group 26-35y mainly find their jobs with the help of advertisements – 51.3% and personal contacts or network are used to find job for age group 36-45y (16.9%). According to 89% (n=17) of respondents unfavorable laws are the biggest problem physiotherapists are facing in private practice in Lithuania. It has been noticed that mainly youngest physiotherapists (47.4%) are thinking or have already planned (54.8%) to seek a job in foreign country. However, majority of them ((n=93) - 73%) would like to continue working by their profession. Conclusion: 1. Majority physiotherapists in Lithuania are satisfied with their job. Unsatisfied respondents highlighted insufficient salary and excessive workload as the main reasons for their dissatisfaction. Young respondents mainly work in “SPA” centers, sport clubs and private healthcare clinics. Respondents over 36y either work in clinics or have private practice. More than half respondents use facilitation means at work and are satisfied with them as well as agree that they work ergonomically. 2. More than one third physiotherapists state that in Lithuania the main limitations at work are salary increase, limited opportunities for professional development especially during work time and variety of jobs. The biggest problem in private practice is unfavorable laws and regulations. Majority physiotherapists find a job with the help of advertisements or through personal contacts. Mainly youngest survey participants are thinking about a job in foreign country or have already planned it. However, over half of respondents would like to continue working by their profession. 3. Physiotherapist’s working conditions in Lithuanian healthcare system are not related the professional environment. However, demographic data is strongly linked to working environment and physiotherapists’ views about their professional environment