A phenomenological investigation into the influences on the development of professional identity in novice osteopaths

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Novice healthcare practitioners experience challenges to their understanding of their profession when entering the new environment of clinical practice. These challenges inevitably affect professional identity development. The literature demonstrated a connection between professional identity, job satisfaction and attrition which is why there is a need to understand how professional identity develops.

AIM: To explore the lived experiences of novice osteopaths as it relates to the development and influences on their professional identity.

METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological study of seven novice osteopaths currently practising in New Zealand. The novice osteopaths were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Recordings were then transcribed and transcripts were thematically analysed.

RESULTS: Influences on professional identity development of the novice osteopaths in this study were classified as extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic influences included realities of practice, mentorship and support, and education. Intrinsic influences included self-identity and life experiences.

CONCLUSION: The results from this study strengthen and confirm the knowledge in the literature surrounding professional identity development, that both intrinsic and extrinsic influences affect how professional identity develops. In this study, extrinsic influences emerged as the dominant influences. The participants in the study put great emphasis on the effect that extrinsic influences like education, experiences with other practitioners and mentorship had on professional identity construction. The findings of the study highlighted a need for greater awareness and understanding of osteopathy by the New Zealand public. Furthermore, it was apparent that new practitioners