Nation's Therapists Taking on Greater Workload

ATLANTA, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Therapists throughout the country overwhelmingly say they enjoy their profession but at the same time report an escalation of duties and workload, according to the first-ever national survey of physical, occupational and speech language therapists conducted by Jackson Healthcare and Jackson Therapy Partners.

Jackson Healthcare, the nation's third largest healthcare staffing firm, found in the nationwide survey "Trends in Rehabilitation Services 2012" that 80 percent of the therapists were satisfied or very satisfied in their professions. However, 59 percent of therapists reported their duties have increased in the past year. Forty-three percent reported patient loads have increased in the past year.

The average patient load among the three disciplines is ten patients. Sixty nine percent of the respondents reported working overtime with an average of 2.5 hours daily.

"Therapists enjoy what they do in turning patients' lives around, but our healthcare system is demanding more and more of them," said Richard L. Jackson, chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare. "At some point, the escalating work load will take a toll on therapists and show up in their job satisfaction."

Fifty-two percent of the survey respondents said they planned to continue in their professions in the next three to five years.

"Shrinking reimbursement and an increased workload may result in the loss of talented therapists," said Scott L'Heureux, President of Jackson Therapy Partners. "It is something the healthcare system must address as the demand for therapy continues to increase."

There were 743 respondents to the nationwide survey of physical, occupational and speech language therapists conducted between September and November of 2012. The survey had a 95 percent confidence level with an error range of + or – 3.5 percent.

To read the survey, go to:http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com/media-room/surveys/therapy-practice-trends-survey-2012.aspx

About Jackson Healthcare
Jackson Healthcare is the third largest healthcare staffing company in the U.S. and serves more than 4 million patients in over 1,300 hospitals.  The company also provides technology solutions that enable total hospital efficiency. Jackson Healthcare has earned national media coverage by providing innovative solutions to healthcare problems, in addition to championing local, national and international charitable work. It has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for five consecutive years.  

About Jackson Therapy Partners
Jackson Therapy Partners, America's Largest Therapy Staffing Company, places physical, occupational and speech therapy professionals in all rehab settings nationwide. Jackson Therapy also offers employment and workforce solutions to healthcare providers throughout the U.S.A. Certified by the Joint Commission, Jackson Therapy Partners maintains exceptionally high standards related to healthcare quality and a commitment to continuous improvement. For more information, call 800-774-7785 or visit www.jacksontherapy.com

Media Contact:

Keith Jennings Jackson Healthcare, 678-690-7942, [email protected]

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SOURCE Jackson Healthcare