Situation of Physiotherapists in the Swiss Healthcare System An Analysis of Structural Survey Data 2016-2018

Background Demographic and epidemiological changes lead to an increase in the demand for healthcare services in Switzerland. Factors, such as healthcare professionals leaving the workforce early in their professional career and a shortage of trainee positions aggravate the situation. In physiotherapy, next to other health care professions, an acute shortage of professionals has been predicted. Aim To assess the current structure and characteristics of the physiotherapy workforce (demographics, levels of employment, workplaces), to analyse workforce losses and predictors of a potential skill shortage. Methods Population data from the structural survey of the Federal Statistical Office of the years 2016-2018 were pooled and analysed descriptively. To infer the total population of physiotherapists from the sample, rounded weights were applied. Characteristics of the occupational group, their professional activity and workforce exits were estimated, and four indicators of skill shortage described in the literature were calculated. Results In 2016-2018, an estimated 15,199 physiotherapists were working in Switzerland ( 75.8 % female, mean age 42.1 +/- 12.1 years), thereof 12,842 physiotherapists (84.5 %) in the healthcare sector. A majority (72.2 %) worked in the outpatient setting. On average, physiotherapists worked 32.7 (95 % CI 32.5-32.8) hours per week. An estimated 28.2 % of trained physiotherapists left the healthcare sector, to pursue a career in another profession (10.8 %), to pause or exit employment entirely ( 9.4 %) or to work as a physiotherapist in another economic sector (7.9 %). Compared to the economy in general, a high immigration rate (17.2 %) and employment growth rate (152.8 %), as well as a low unemployment rate (0.9 %) indicate a skill shortage within the profession. Conclusions The analysis of the 2016-2018 survey data confirms the previously observed trend of employment growth among physiotherapists in the healthcare sector and indicates a shortage of skilled workers in physiotherapy. Suitable measures to counteract and further investigate this trend should be discussed. These should encompass testing and evaluating new health care models that enhance career perspectives and support job retention, expanding current services by offering novel technology-based solutions, and increasing the number of available study placements.