COVID-19 highlighted the precariousness of employment in the physiotherapy sector

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapists faced several difficulties related to health policies, working conditions and occupation. A study led by the Grup de Recerca de cures de salut (GReCS) of the Universitat de Lleida (UdL) and the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), in collaboration with the Study Group Society, Health, Education and Culture of Cures of the UdL, highlights the precariousness of employment in the physiotherapy sector during the pandemic, especially the widespread practice of hiring false self-employed, a fact that underlines the urgency of implementing stricter labour regulations. The research has been published in New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy.

Between April and June 2020, 16 face-to-face interviews were conducted with physiotherapists in the public, private and mutual sectors. Three broad areas were identified through thematic analysis: legislative and regulatory policies, working conditions and occupational conditions. Participants expressed concern about confusion and lack of consistency between regional and national guidelines. Physiotherapists in the private sector experienced economic and employment uncertainty, while those in the public sector had to adapt to new roles in the face of increased demand. Job insecurity, especially in the private sector, and the lack of adequate training to manage a pandemic were also highlighted.

'The study highlights the need for clear policies, effective support mechanisms and specific training in the management of infectious outbreaks to ensure better preparedness and resilience of the sector to future crises,' said Helena Fernández Lago, professor at the UdL and researcher in the GReCS group.

Article: Fernández-Lago H, Climent-Sanz C, Masbernat-Almenara M, Bosch-Barceló P, Bravo C, Sanjuan-Sánchez D, Briones-Vozmediano E. Lessons Learned From Physiotherapists Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Approach. New Solut. 2025 Apr 3:10482911251321740. doi: 10.1177/10482911251321740. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40179351.