Investigating the Motivators, Barriers and Facilitators to Volunteering at a Student-Run Physical Therapy Clinic

A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) provide opportunities for student physical therapists (SPTs) to develop their clinical skills while serving the community. However, the frequency of volunteering is not consistent amongst students. The purpose of this report is to investigate motivators, barriers, and facilitators to volunteering as a SPT at an SRFC.
Methods: A mixed methods study was completed in two parts. First, an electronic survey was sent to Year 1 and Year 2 SPTs. Second, focus group interviews were completed with two groups: high frequency SPTs (4+ times volunteered) and low frequency SPTs (0-3 times volunteered).
Results: The survey was sent to 119 students, with a response rate of 39.5% (n=47). Top motivators were practicing intervention techniques (78.7%, n=37), improving examination skills (68.1%, n=32), and community service (63.8%, n=30). The top barrier was clinic hours (66%, n=31). The top potential facilitator was extra credit (61.7%, n=29). Focus groups substantiated that developing clinical skills and serving the community were top motivators, while time constraints were the largest barrier to volunteering.
Conclusions: SRFCs can encourage additional students to volunteer as physical therapists by promoting benefits such as improved clinical skills, opportunity to serve the community, and potential for improved student confidence. Integrating volunteering through course credit or faculty encouragement may also increase the number of students who participate. Operating hours of SRFC should be scheduled to minimize interference with other time commitments of SPTs.