A mixed methods exploration of physiotherapists’ job satisfaction in rural, regional and remote Western Australia

Rural physiotherapists are critical to addressing health inequities across Australia. Persistent rural health workforce shortages remain a challenge, making recruitment and retention a priority for service sustainability. Job satisfaction is a known predictor of retention; however, little is known about its drivers and impediments in rural physiotherapy. This study aimed to explore factors influencing job satisfaction among physiotherapists in rural, regional and remote Western Australia (WA) and to consider their implications for workforce retention and development. An exploratory, convergent mixed-methods design using a purpose-built (non-standardised) online survey was available for physiotherapists working or previously employed in rural WA over an eight-week period. The survey included closed-ended questions covering demographic and satisfaction domains and open-ended prompts to elicit deeper qualitative insights into participants’ experiences. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were examined thematically. Seventy-four eligible physiotherapists completed the survey representing all regions of WA. The three interrelated themes of ‘Personal’ factors, ‘Workplace’ factors, and ‘Career, identity and purpose’ were associated with rural physiotherapist job satisfaction. Personal factors were influenced by lifestyle and community connection, whereas workplace factors were supported through team dynamics, organisational structure, and flexibility. Consequently, high staff turnover, service constraints, and perceived financial inequities negatively impacted the workplace. Concerningly, over 90% of participants selected ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ in response to the statement “I feel unsafe in my work environment.” Key drivers relating to career, identity and purpose include professional identity aligning between personal values, professional roles, with the rural context central to long-term satisfaction and purpose. Job satisfaction in rural physiotherapy reflects the interplay of personal, workplace and identity-related factors. Strategies that foster value-aligned professional identities, supportive workplaces, opportunities for professional development, and effective culturally safe training will likely improve rural physiotherapist job satisfaction. This may strengthen rural physiotherapy retention and help sustain rural health services.