Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable: The tale of adaptability.
Anke van der Merwe, Roline Barnes, Mariette Nel
PMID 37415854WHAT IT FOUND
Self-reported adaptability was highest in interpersonal and cultural areas, but work stress was lowest at 12.5 of 25 among eight of 28 approached final-year physiotherapy students.
Responses were mixed about uncertainty, with many preferring stable conditions.
Key findings
01The median score for handling work stress was the lowest, 12.5 of 25.
02The highest scores were for interpersonal adaptability, 85.7%, and cultural adaptability, 84%, while 62.5% were neutral about enjoying learning other cultures.
03Responses were inconsistent about uncertainty: 75% agreed they could make effective decisions without all relevant information, but 62.5% became frustrated when things were unpredictable.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 8 of 28 approached students responded, so the results may not represent final-year physiotherapy students at this university. The study used self-reported questionnaire scores, had no comparison group, and had no normative values, so it cannot show what actually improves adaptability. It was done at one university with final-year physiotherapy students, so it may not apply to other years, professions or settings. Closed-ended questions did not allow participants to explain their answers, and the authors suggest over-surveying may have contributed to the low response.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that final-year physiotherapy students are prepared for unpredictable clinical work. Only eight of 28 approached responded, the scores were self-reported, there were no normative values, and work stress was the lowest dimension at 12.5 of 25.