Research productivity of academics in a physiotherapy department: a case study

Abstract

Objective: Research productivity is an important activity among academics. This study was done to document the research productivity of the academics of a physiotherapy department in South Africa. Method: An archival research design was used to document the research productivity for the physiotherapy department between 2002 and 2009. Data were analysed by two independent reviewers and consensus was reached on the information to be included in the study. Results: Among the nine academics there were 67 publications, 20 articles in progress, 7 under review and 63 conferences attended. While the overall research productivity of the department seems to be good, the bulk of the productivity rests in the hands of the senior academics. Conclusion: There is a need to facilitate the acquisition of research skills in academic staff, particularly in upgrading staff to PhD level and improving publication output.