{"id":6329,"date":"2026-08-26T15:11:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T15:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp2027.world.physio\/?page_id=6329"},"modified":"2026-08-28T08:05:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:05:28","slug":"fs-19","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp2027.world.physio\/es_ar\/fs-19\/","title":{"rendered":"FS-session-19"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Focused symposium: Future-proofing physiotherapy: building a digitally ready workforce (FS-19)<\/div>\n

Moderator: <\/strong>Jackie Lidgard (United Kingdom)
Speakers:<\/strong> Euan McComiskie (United Kingdom), Mark Merolli (Australia), Fran Theron (Ireland)<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n Learning objectives <\/div>\n\n
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    To discuss the policy landscape, and public expectations, impacting on the use of digital technology in physiotherapy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    To appraise and communicate the published literature on digital capability relating to the physiotherapy profession<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    To critically prioritise the capability of the workforce to use digital technology skills as part of their services<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n\n

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    Abstract<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n
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    Digital technology is advancing rapidly, and physiotherapy, alongside other health professions, must adapt to keep up [1]. Globally, segments of the physiotherapy workforce continue to demonstrate gaps in foundational digital competencies [2,3]. At the same time, educators may not consistently possess the expertise required to prepare students effectively [4]. In many countries, digital health has only recently been incorporated into curricula, and digital capability is not yet uniformly prioritised within national healthcare policies [5,6]. Although some digital competency or capability documents have been published globally, there is no universal consensus on content, or a lack of specificity to physiotherapy [3,7].<\/p>\n

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    In the United Kingdom (UK), the physiotherapy workforce is motivated to use digital technology but often lacks foundation digital competence [3]. While digital features prominently in the strategic service delivery expectations, it is less visible within the physiotherapy curriculum [1]. Jackie Lidgard and Euan McComiskie lead Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) initiatives that embed digital and informatics in policy, strategy, and workforce development. Their work includes delivering a foundation-level education programme for allied health professionals (AHPs), aligned with needs identified by UK digital leaders [2].<\/p>\n

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    In Australia, there have been explicit efforts to elevate digital competency in allied health. These include the development of a national digital allied health competency framework [3], and updates to the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Career Competency Profile and Physiotherapist Practice Thresholds. A\/Prof Mark Merolli will outline current policy and educational priorities, drawing on his work in digital health workforce development and the use of entrustable professional activities as a model to advance capability [7].<\/p>\n

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    In Ireland, artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing rapidly at policy level, including the national AI for Care strategy and emerging guidance from the Health Information and Quality Authority. While AI tools are being deployed in defined contexts, workforce capability, profession\u2011specific guidance, and implementation support remains uneven. This presents both opportunity and challenge, highlighting the need for coherent approaches to digital competency, governance, and accountability.<\/p>\n

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    Across Europe, digital and AI competence are positioned as core professional capabilities spanning practice, education, governance, and sustainability [8]. The Digital Capability Framework for Physiotherapists in the Europe Region, alongside guidance on Green AI and Digital Physiotherapy Education, provides a shared, non-regulatory foundation for advancing digital capability. These documents are due for approval at the Europe Region General Meeting in Kosovo, May 2026.<\/p>\n

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    Despite national progress, translation into practice remains inconsistent, contributing to frustration among physiotherapists who are unable to fully utilise digital technology to enhance care delivery [8]. This is compounded by wider pressures on global physiotherapy services.<\/p>\n

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    This symposium will explore opportunities for international consensus on digital competency frameworks, shared educational approaches, and evaluation of workforce impact. When implemented effectively, digital technology can enable high-quality, accessible care. Conversely, failure to engage risks diminishing the profession\u2019s value. Strengthening digital capability offers an opportunity to position physiotherapy as a digitally enabled, future-ready profession.<\/p><\/div>\n

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    References<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n
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    1. Tack C. Digital confidence, experience and motivation in physiotherapists: A UK-wide survey. OpenPhysio Journal. 2020<\/li>\n
    2. Tack C, Holdsworth L, Wilson A, McComiskie E, McCabe P, Wilkinson W King M. Digital competency: a survey of UK allied health professionals. British Journal of Healthcare Management. 2022. July 28; 28(8)<\/li>\n
    3. Merolli M, Ahmed O, McCreesh K, Remedios L, Butler-Henderson K. Are physiotherapists expected to be competent in digital health practice? Meta-synthesis of international physiotherapy practice competency standards. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2024. January 12; 40(12)<\/li>\n
    4. R\u00f8e Y, Vik Torbj\u00f8rnsen AC, Admiraal W. Educators\u2019 digital competence in physiotherapy and health professions education: Insights from qualitative interviews. Digital Health. 2024;10.<\/li>\n
    5. R\u00f8e Y, Riis GC, Admiraal W. Unravelling the digital competence of students in physiotherapy education through the European digital competence framework. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 2024. 26(6)<\/li>\n
    6. Kidritsch, A., Jocham, B., Meller, K., Jocham, A., Guggenberger, B. and Maul, L., Digital competencies in the bachelor\u2018s degree in physiotherapy\u2014a mixed methods study in Austria. International Journal of Health Professions. 2025. 12(1)<\/li>\n
    7. Merolli M, Vallance P, McCreesh K, O\u2019Sullivan C, Ahmed O, Kerry R, Butler-Henderson K, Gray K. Entrustable professional activities for physiotherapists to demonstrate digital health competency: an international delphi study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2025. March 10; 31(10)<\/li>\n
    8. Kloek C, van der Hoef S, Gruneber C, Hager C, Alves Lopes, A, McComiskie E, Merolli M, Veenhoff C. Usage and acceptance of digital health among physiotherapists: an international cross-sectional survey. Physioscience. 2025. May 31; 21(2)<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n
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