Exploring the business skills, experiences and preparedness of UK-based private physiotherapists when establishing and developing a physiotherapy business: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

Aim To explore the business skills, experiences and preparedness of UK-based private physiotherapists when establishing and developing a physiotherapy business. Design A hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Participants Six UK-based private physiotherapy practice owners were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Methods In-depth, semi-structured video interviews (n = 12) were audio-recorded and transcribed. Field notes, respondent validation and a reflexive diary were used. Data underwent line-by-line analysis, identifying codes and themes. Constant comparison of data, codes and themes occurred throughout. Peer review was utilised, and small sections of data and all emerging codes were independently reviewed. Results Knowledge acquisition: participants acquired business knowledge from training, external help, and trial-and-error approaches. Improved physiotherapy-related business training was requested. Business skills: Business plans were generally organic or lapsed with time. Success and timing of marketing strategies varied widely. The altruistic nature of many physiotherapists creates difficulties in requesting payments for services. Clinical policies: Lone working risks appeared more weighted towards protecting staff from physical abuse rather than allegations. Conclusions Improved physiotherapy-related business support and guidance may be beneficial. Focusing on word-of-mouth, website marketing, and establishing support networks may benefit practice owners. Greater consideration of the potentially negative implications of lone working, particularly accusations of inappropriate sexual behaviour, is recommended.