Impactful educational transitions: Crossroads for physiotherapy education in South Africa?
Corlia Janse van Vuuren
PMID 35547960WHAT IT FOUND
This paper discusses potential changes to physiotherapy training pathways in South Africa, such as introducing Doctor of Physiotherapy degrees or community rehabilitation workers.
It proposes an educational framework based on existing literature and government plans but reports no new patient data, clinical outcomes, or research results.
What this paper is
This is a policy and education commentary discussing potential changes to physiotherapy training pathways in South Africa, such as introducing Doctor of Physiotherapy degrees or community rehabilitation workers. It proposes an educational framework based on existing literature and government plans but reports no new patient data, clinical outcomes, or research results. There is nothing here to change your clinical practice on.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the proposed educational changes, such as the introduction of a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) or Community Rehabilitation Workers (CRWs), as implemented practice or evidence of improved patient outcomes. These are theoretical suggestions for future policy that require feasibility studies and funding analysis before they can be enacted.