A Pan-Canadian Perspective on Education and Training Priorities for Physiotherapists. Part 2: Professional Interactions and Context of Practice

Abstract

Purpose: Canadian physiotherapists who participated in the Physio Moves Canada (PMC) project of 2017 identified the state of training programmes as a threat facing professional growth of the discipline. One purpose of the project was to identify priority areas for physiotherapist training programmes as identified by academics and clinicians across Canada. Method: The PMC project included a series of interviews and focus groups conducted across clinical sites in every Canadian province and in Yukon Territory. Data were interpreted using descriptive thematic analysis; identified sub-themes were returned to participants for reflection. Results: Overall, 116 physiotherapists and 1 physiotherapy assistant participated in 10 focus groups and 26 semi-structured interviews. Results are presented using the curriculum guidelines of the time for organization. Here we describe two themes: Physiotherapy Professional Interactions, further defined by interpersonal and interprofessional competencies, and Context of Practice further defined by advocacy, leadership, community awareness, and business competencies. Conclusions: Participants appear to express a desire for programmes to train reflexive and adaptable primary health care practitioners with strong foundational knowledge and clinical expertise, complemented by interpersonal and interprofessional skills to empower physiotherapists to effectively care and advocate for patients, to lead health care teams, and to share ideas to inspire change towards a future of physiotherapy practice.