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“Navigating professional identity and quality of care by physiotherapists under different working conditions in the Netherlands”
Nijhuis, S.C. (2025) “Navigating professional identity and quality of care by physiotherapists under different working conditions in the Netherlands”.
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| Abstract: | Objective: this study addresses a knowledge gap by exploring how three distinct groups of physiotherapists in the Netherlands hold a perspective of professional identity and quality of care under distinct labour conditions, varying from independent self-employed to part of a collective labour agreement (CLA). Design: a qualitative research design was applied using in-depth interviews and the GIOIA method. Setting & participants: ten physiotherapists from the Netherlands were interviewed, including those with a CLA, without a CLA and self-employed physiotherapists. Participants were selected based on type of employment to capture different perspectives. Results: physiotherapists without a CLA experience the highest work pressure caused by administrative tasks, unclear employment terms and limited employer support. This weakens their professional identity and could impact their quality of care. In contrast, physiotherapists working with CLA, who tend to have a stronger professional identity. They benefit from stronger job security, teamwork and organizational support. Self-employed physiotherapists stated high autonomy and job satisfaction, as well as a stronger professional identity. However, they continue to face challenges from insurers and systematic constraints. Conclusion: working conditions significantly shape both the professional identity and the perception of the quality of care among physiotherapists in the Netherlands. These effects differ depending on the type of physiotherapists. The strength of the professional identity of physiotherapists without CLA became weaker, whereas physiotherapists with CLA and self-employed viewed their professional identity as stronger. Due to the aging population and decline in physiotherapists, there are concerns about the future of the profession. Additionally, health insurers remain to have a major impact on the physiotherapy sector. Implementing a CLA could help address these challenges and could contribute to a more sustainable future for the profession. It is not a definitive solution; a systematic change is necessary. Contribution: this research contributes to theory and practices as it provides new insights into how working conditions shape professional identity and quality of care in the physiotherapy sector. It focuses on improvement of professional practices and better workplace policies for employers, managers and policymakers. Furthermore, it provides physiotherapists with arguments to strand stronger in negotiations with insurers or employers. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106496 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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