Assuring quality mechanisms in physiotherapy education – the Physiotherapist Education Framework

Abstract

World Physiotherapy recognises the central importance for Quality Assurance in relation to all things associated directly and indirectly to the practice of physiotherapy. To support the advancement of physiotherapist education, World Physiotherapy has published the Physiotherapist education framework, a document primarily based on World Physiotherapy’s policy statement on education which sets out expectations of physiotherapist entry level, and post-entry level, education. The document has three sections covering the three components of the Physiotherapist education framework: 1. Domains of physiotherapist practice competence; 2. Physiotherapist entry level education programmes; and 3. Physiotherapist continuing professional development (CPD). The first section describes the competence domains of core physiotherapy practice that student graduates of the entry level education programmes are expected to have upon the completion of the programme. These competence domains are also relevant for maintaining continued competence through continuing professional development. The second, and largest section, describes six elements of a quality physiotherapist entry level education programme including programme foundations; curriculum; teaching, learning and assessment; infrastructure and culture; academic staff; and quality assurance. The third and final section covers key aspects of CPD including formal and informal development, as well as steps in self-directed, lifelong learning in which all active physiotherapists engage to maintain continued competence. The Physiotherapist education framework provides a baseline that can be adapted to reflect country specific needs and the evolving roles of physiotherapists, set within a local educational, socio-political, cultural, economic, and regulatory context.