Elite athletics – an ‘added extra’ to improve the employability of physiotherapy graduates 1J.V. Simmonds, 2J. Allen, 1D. Davis, 1K. S. Beeton

BackgroundIn recent years there have been major organizational changes within the NHS, leading to a job shortage for graduating physiotherapists and a need for students to expand their employment horizons and develop additional skills during their training .

Coinciding with this situation has been the successful UK bid to host the Olympics and the need for over 500 suitably trained physiotherapists to support the athletes. Additionally, one of the strategic goals of the University of Hertfordshire is “to work with regional partners to make the most of 2012 Olympics - 2012 Olympics and Beyond”.

InterventionWith these factors in mind, John Allen the Lead Physiotherapist for England Athletics was approached and agreed to provide a mentored learning opportunity for 2nd and 3rd year physiotherapy students via attendance at selected indoor and outdoor elite athletic events.

Students have been given a first hand opportunity to experience the role of the sports physiotherapist and to appreciate the knowledge and skills required to manage acute sports injuries. Students have also had the opportunity to analyse high level athletic performances and to observe and practice assessment and treatment techniques in a supervised masterclass setting.

Transport to and from the events was provided by the School of Health and Emergency Professions

Evaluation and FeedbackThere was an overwhelming response to the initial invitation, with over 120 students signing up for the opportunity.

Feedback from students was very positive and included the following:

“I just wanted to say thank you for letting us have the opportunity to go to the athletics yesterday, it was very interesting to see another side of physiotherapy which we don't often experience within the course”.

“Thank you again for a brilliant day on Saturday. I gained so much from it and I've come back feeling very motivated and inspired. Its given me an idea about where I really want to be”.

“It was great to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside John Allen who is so experienced and a great role model. I really want to work in the NHS when I finish the course, while gaining experience and working with sports people on weekends and in my spare time. It is my dream to be a physiotherapist at the 2012 Olympic Games in London”.

“It was a valuable experience working along side elite athletes and physiotherapists. The opportunity allowed me to observe and treat very acute injuries that are not often seen in a NHS setting. It gave another insight into the work a physiotherapist can do. I also had the chance to analyse the athletes and hypothesise on the injuries that might occur from the demands they place on their bodies. All in all the experience was very inspiring and of great value.”

Benefits for graduatesSeveral graduates from the 2007-8 cohort are now regularly attending the athletic events in a professional capacity and are gradually accruing the mentored hours necessary to qualify as a physiotherapy contender for the Olympics in 2012.

It is the hope and vision that these graduates will be suitably qualified to work at the 2012 Olympics and that they may eventually provide mentorship for future cohorts of students who wish to develop knowledge and skills in this area.

Reflection on Teaching and LearningFrom a teaching and learning perspective, this “added extra” curriculum opportunity has provided students with a motivating , fun and exciting learning environment, where fruitful connections have been made and ideas and skills discussed and explored in a non threatening and stimulating environment.

1School of Health and Emergency Professions, University of Hertfordshire, 22Lead Physiotherapist- England Athletics