A1 Journal article (refereed)
Stories of professional development in physiotherapy education (2021)

Kurunsaari, M., Tynjälä, P., & Piirainen, A. (2021). Stories of professional development in physiotherapy education. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1888341

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kurunsaari, Merja; Tynjälä, Päivi; Piirainen, Arja

Journal or series: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

ISSN: 0959-3985

eISSN: 1532-5040

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 23/02/2021

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1888341

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74427

Abstract

This study examines graduating physiotherapy students’ narratives related to their professional development. The data comprised interviews with 33 graduating physiotherapy students. The data were analyzed using the narrative analysis approach. As a result, five different story models were identified. The descriptive story models were named: 1) “Study path dominated by life changes”; 2) “Realizing the connection between physiotherapy theory and practice”; 3) “Self-regulated and practical-oriented learning path”; 4) “Becoming a critical developer”; and 5) “Multiprofessional working towards expertise”. In students’ stories, there appeared different turning points that illustrated especially meaningful episodes during the process of their professional development to be a physiotherapist. From a pedagogical point of view, two important features appeared: the importance of connecting theory and practice and the role of clinical supervisors.

Keywords: professional development; physical therapists; students; personal narrative; narrative analysis

Free keywords: professional development; graduating student; physiotherapy student; narrative analysis; story models; turning points

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Ministry reporting: No, publication in press

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1