Identifying factors that predict attrition among first year physiotherapy students: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

New Knowledge  This was the first study to look at the percentage drop-out and causes of attrition among first year physiotherapy students in the UK  A high percentage drop-out was identified  Attrition in first year was particularly high among students from ethnic minority backgrounds and students who lived off-campus Key Messages  Effective strategies to retain students from ethnic minority backgrounds in physiotherapy programmes need to be identified.  Assessment results should be analysed by ethnic group and placed in the public domain  Further qualitative research is required to understand the reasons why students from ethnic minority backgrounds and students who live off campus are more likely to drop-out of physiotherapy programmes in their first year