Introduction

The objectives of the European Region of the WCPT, as stated in the Charter, are, among others, to promote the development of physiotherapy, the reciprocity of the recognition of physiotherapy qualifications, and to improve the quality of physiotherapy education and practice in Europe. Education, both at basic and post basic levels, plays a fundamental role to guarantee the professional identity, and is an important tool to promote free movement and the right of establishment of physiotherapists in Europe. Within this framework, the Executive Committee established, in December 1999, a working group especially devoted to these matters.

Activities

Activities recommended by the Education Matters WG for the period 2010 – 2012
Approved by the 2010 GM

1.1. Monitoring entry level education

·         To keep updated the inventory on Physiotherapy Entry Level of Education within the ER-WCPT.

1.2. Monitoring education at Master level

·         To continue following up Master programmes in Physiotherapy within the ER-WCPT.

1.3. Monitoring CPD and specialisation

·         To follow up the activities on Continuous Professional Development within the Member Organisations, and continue to monitor developments in re-registration, re-certification in collaboration with the Professional Issues Working Group.

·         To continue the update of the Monitoring report on Specialisation

1.4. Monitor developments in quality assurance of Higher Education

·         To gather information on quality assurance measures in Physiotherapy education and monitor the involvement of the Member Organisations in quality assurance activities

·         To update the document on Quality Assurance Guidance and develop a tool kit resources to support Quality Assurance process.

·         To investigate and monitor the introduction of Ranking process within Higher Education at national and International levels. (In cooperation with ENPHE)

1.5. Monitor Research activities

·         To identify priority research issues and monitor possible opportunities for action by the ER-WCPT

 

·         To update the Policy Statement on Physiotherapy Education

·         To collaborate with the PI WG to create the ER-WCPT Policy on Research

·         To align the Policies on Education and Research

·         To promote use of Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy education at all levels (Life Long Learning) and support efforts to embed EBP in all aspects of professional practice.

·         To identify information to be included on the ER WCPT website, under the button of education, relating to all education levels, research and EBP.

·         Monitor the information about education, displayed at the web pages of the MO’s

·         To contribute to the completion of the 3^rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education

·         To prepare the 4^th European Congress on Physiotherapy Education to take place in 2016.

·         To continue facilitating closer links and cooperation with ENPHE.