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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Care | Research

Australian podiatrists' understanding and current practices of reablement for older people: a qualitative exploratory study

Authors: Lachlan Mulquiny, Jodi Oakman

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

The ageing of Australia's population is placing significant pressure on health and social aged care services due to increasing demand for the provision and a relative decrease in the healthcare workforce. Reablement has been introduced by the Australian Commonwealth Government and is aimed at increasing older people's independence to age in place and decreasing dependency on aged care services. To date, research on reablement practice has focussed on interventions from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses, with no data available on podiatrist involvement. The aim of this research was to explore Australian podiatrists' understanding and current practice of implementing a reablement approach to older clients.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with Australian podiatrists who had experience working with older people and were familiar with the reablement model. Podiatrists were recruited after completing a prior web-based survey. Promotion of the web-based survey was via professional networks and Twitter. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis.

Results

Fourteen podiatrists were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, three themes were generated: (i) Thinking and practicing differently, (ii) Reconciling practice with competing pressures, (ii) Funding influences on podiatry practice and reablement. Rather than identifying practice examples that demonstrate involvement by podiatrists in older peoples reablement, our analysis identified system level barriers which gave negative influence on podiatrists' ability to implement the reablement model.

Conclusions

The participants in this study considered their role in reablement for older people was limited. While some participants felt unskilled to implement the reablement model, it is factors such as inadequate funding arrangements and clients' perceptions of podiatrists' roles have a more significant impact on current practice and are seemingly more intractable.
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Metadata
Title
Australian podiatrists' understanding and current practices of reablement for older people: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors
Lachlan Mulquiny
Jodi Oakman
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-022-00578-9

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