Announcement
Canadian Physiotherapy Association Takes Critical Step Toward National Standardization of Physiotherapy Scope of Practice
Nov 27, 2023
OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) reached a important milestone in its efforts to advance the physiotherapy profession in Canada when it hosted a joint session in Ottawa this past weekend that brought together provincial/territorial branch associations, key partners, and stakeholders to deliberate and discuss the first draft of the Physiotherapy Scope of Practice document. The Scope of Practice Initiative, led in collaboration by the CPA and the provincial and territorial branches, seeks to optimize the breadth of skillset for physiotherapy professionals in Canada, the outcome of which will shape future public affairs and advocacy strategies aimed at enhancing the visibility, awareness, and engagement of the physiotherapy profession at the national political level.
“When our profession is permitted to perform at the full scope of their capabilities, research has shown cost savings, higher levels of patient satisfaction, less medications, less imaging tests, less pain, and less unnecessary consultations on a heavily burdened system,” said Allison Stene, President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. “In order to address the challenges being faced by the Canadian healthcare system and improve access to physiotherapy for patients, we need to move beyond conventional care models and better integrate physiotherapists – to provide improved prevention and rehabilitation for all.”
“Working collaboratively is a fundamental value of the CPA, and one that we live and breathe across every touchpoint,” added Krissy Bell, CEO of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. “We are excited and proud to have reached this critical point in the Scope of Practice Initiative and are grateful to have had the supportive partnership of this diverse group of representatives of the profession along the way. Their presence and engagement at our meetings in Ottawa demonstrate the importance of this initiative to the physiotherapy profession, and their contributions through the weekend will ensure that the final Scope of Practice definition is thoughtfully and robustly developed.”
The draft definition, a result of input from over 1000 physiotherapists nationwide, reflects the diverse expertise and experiences of practitioners. Representatives from the National Physiotherapy Advisory Group (NPAG), which included representatives from Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC), Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs (CCPUP), and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), contributed to the comprehensive discussion.
The final Scope of Practice definition is anticipated for release in May 2024, coinciding with National Physiotherapy Month. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the physiotherapy profession, enabling practitioners to provide evidence-based, reliable, and effective care that addresses the critical challenges faced by the Canadian healthcare system.
ABOUT THE CPA
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) represents physiotherapy professionals, including registered physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, physiotherapy technologists, and students across Canada. Physiotherapy professionals provide essential rehabilitative care and treatment, enabling Canadians to live well and actively participate in all facets of their lives.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rani Chatoorgoon