Developing a National Consensus of the Physiotherapy Entry-Level Business and Practice Management Core Curriculum Competencies: A Delphi Study

Abstract

Purpose: Physiotherapists need to develop strong business acumen to make informed decisions, drive positive outcomes, and thrive in their practice. Competencies in these areas are partially reflected in the Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada, however, there is little consistency in how these are applied across academic institutions. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of foundational entry-to-practice (ETP) competencies related to business and practice management (BPM), that can prepare physiotherapy students for work in all Canadian healthcare service sectors upon graduation. Method: We undertook a modified Delphi study. An online call for participants was circulated via the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Private Practice and Leadership Divisions, Canadian provincial and territorial physiotherapy regulators, and 15 Canadian university physiotherapy programs. Individuals in the profession with known expertise in management and/or business were also invited to participate. Results: Two rounds of the Delphi were necessary to reach consensus. Forty-one participants were included in the first round of Delphi including academics, regulators, registered physiotherapists, and senior students. Twenty-one (51%) participated in round 2 of the study. Sixty-six ETP BPM foundational curriculum competencies, within nine domains, competencies reached consensus (via the Delphi process). Conclusions: Consideration of the ETP competencies in the areas of business and practice management derived with this national Delphi process may enhance and harmonize the physiotherapy curricula across Canada.