Burnout in physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in the Australian community disability sector under the national disability insurance scheme: a qualitative study

Aim(s): This study aimed to explore the experience and perceptions of burnout in Physiotherapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) working with adults under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the community disability sector in Australia. 

Materials and Methods: This study uses an exploratory qualitative design. 

Participants: A total of ten clinicians: five OTs and five PTs working in the community disability sector who self-identified as having experienced burnout within the last two years. 

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with ten clinicians via video conference lasting about 33 min, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using thematic analysis. COREQ research reporting checklist followed. 

Results: Four themes and 11 sub-themes were identified including contributing factors, protective factors, consequences of burnout and proposed actions. There was consistency across all themes of a complex intersection between the individual Allied Health Professional (AHP), the workplace and the funding model of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experience of burnout in AHPs in the community disability sector in Australia, offering perspectives on the dynamics of the unique roles of OT’s and PT’s while offering practical and actionable recommendations for both AHPs and workplaces.