A framework for determining curricular content of entry level physiotherapy programmes: electrophysical agents as a case study

Abstract

Electrophysical agents have been a core part of physiotherapy practice since the establishment of the profession. However, significant changes in the health arena over the last 20 years have challenged the place of electrophysical agents as a core aspect of physiotherapy practice. The development of manual techniques and a greater focus on exercise therapies and evidence based practice have led to a shift in the way physiotherapists view and use electrophysical agents. At the same time, the types and complexity of electrophysical equipment has increased considerably. These changes create difficulties in determining which electrophysical agents should be included in entry level physiotherapy curricula. Using electrophysical agents as an example, this paper presents the challenges facing the profession in terms of what and how decisions concerning entry-level physiotherapy curricula may be made. A framework for integrating both clinical practice trends and research evidence is presented as a means for determining entry level physiotherapy curricula in the next ten years.

Trends in the availability and usage of electrophysical agents in physiotherapy practices from 1990 to 2010: a review

“…1,16,18 In addition, either using or not using a particular EPA has become a challenge in physiotherapy practice for a number of reasons, such as physiotherapists' use of evidence based practice, emphasis on physical exercise and manual therapies as well as a lack of evidence in clinical effectiveness of electrotherapy modalities. 2,19,20 Hence, there may be implications for teaching and training of electrotherapy in the physiotherapy discipline. 19,21,22 For example, there has been exclusion of MWD from a very recent text book on electrotherapy.…”

“…2,19,20 Hence, there may be implications for teaching and training of electrotherapy in the physiotherapy discipline. 19,21,22 For example, there has been exclusion of MWD from a very recent text book on electrotherapy. 20 It is therefore important to assess scientific evidence as to the degree to which electrotherapy modalities are available and used, available but not-used and notavailable in physiotherapy practices.…”

Transcranial direct current stimulation: a place in the future of physiotherapy?

“…Physiotherapists have utilized direct current since the early 1900s for iontophoresis (movement of ions through the skin's surface) and acceleration of wound healing. [1][2] The underlying mechanism involves the movement of charged ions within the tissue. Positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode), while negative ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode).…”

University of the Witwatersrand physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum alignment to medical conditions of patients within Gauteng state health facilities

“…As the content of the undergraduate curriculum expands to accommodate the changes in disease burden and the growth in knowledge, it should be remembered that the length of the course remains the same and thus the programme should not be overloaded (Chipchase, Williams & Robertson 2008 ). When adding additional medical conditions to the curriculum, it is important to consider evidence that supports management of these conditions.…”

“…When adding additional medical conditions to the curriculum, it is important to consider evidence that supports management of these conditions. However, it has to be noted that there is no clear and accepted model for curriculum decision-making based on best available research evidence (Chipchase et al 2008 ). Thus, in some instances, if there is evidence of benefit to the patient, albeit low-level evidence, some medical conditions may be included in the curriculum if they are common because training should meet the needs of local communities within their unique context (Pinnock & Jones 2008 ).…”