Physical therapy continuing professional education, an environmental scan and needs assessment

grantor: University of TorontoAs public sector health care delivery is rapidly shifting, physical therapists are challenged to adapt, in order to be proactive in dealing with these changes. Utilizing an environmental scan and needs assessment, this study investigated the future needed skills and behaviours of postgraduate physical therapists that can be met through educational interventions. Interviews with seven physical therapy opinion leaders and two focus groups of practicing clinicians, were conducted to identify the driving forces for change in the profession. The results from a gap analysis of current perceived needs of clinicians were contrasted with the experts' projections of future physical therapy directions. The major findings indicate that physical therapists will need further development in a variety of non-clinical areas to effectively work in their new health care roles. The continuing professional education implications of this study reveal valuable insights into the future needs of physical therapists in the public sector.M.A