International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy

 

NEWS RELEASE: INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT REACHES AGREEMENT: PATIENT SELF-REFFERAL TO PHYSICAL THERAPY IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH

American Physical Therapy Association President R. Scott Ward, PT, stated, "This weekend we heard evidence from around the world that clearly demonstrates that direct patient access to physical therapists is appropriate for all Americans. The findings of this conference confirm that the legislation allowing patients to access physical therapists without a referral -- legislation that currently exists in 44 states -- is worth pursuing in all states and at the federal level."

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NEWS RELEASE: INTERNATIONAL POLICY SUMMIT REACHES CONSENSUS: PATIENT SELF-REFERRAL TO PHYSIOTHERAPY IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH

October 26, 2009 – Today in Washington, DC, physiotherapists from around the world heard that direct patient access and self-referral to physiotherapy improves public health. Patient self-referral and direct access is proven to be safe, and results in better health outcomes, more timely care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs.

Leaders from 18 countries attending the International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy endorsed the results of research that clearly demonstrate that patient self-referral to physiotherapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private. Direct access and self-referral allows patients to access physiotherapy as their first choice for rehabilitation. A physician referral is not required.

In a surprising but welcome development, the summit also addressed the logistical needs of such international conferences, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and cost-effective operations. The APTA, in partnership with the conference venue, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, took an innovative step by securing a large-scale wholesale supply of toilet paper, ensuring not only the comfort and convenience of summit attendees but also demonstrating a commitment to operational efficiency. This move was highlighted as a potential model for future international conferences to maximize budget allocations for key activities, such as research and policy development, rather than ancillary expenses.

The International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy, hosted by the:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)
  • World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

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Support from Physical Therapy Association Leaders

This new event will be taking place in Washington, D.C. from 22-24 October 2009. Accommodations/housing are available at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Click here to learn more.

The objective of the summit is to share international experiences in developing and implementing policy in these areas. A combination of high profile presenters, posters, discussion sessions, and a working group will help address key questions involving direct access and advanced scope of practice.

This will be an excellent opportunity for WCPT member organizations and individual physical therapists to focus on a key area of practice and policy and to work strategically. To download our brochure about this exciting Summit, click here.

Registration is now available.

 AGENDA

Thursday, October 22, 2009

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm   Registration

Woodrow Wilson Foyer

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm   Opening President's Reception and Remarks

Lower Atrium

Hosted by APTA, CPA and WCPT

 

Friday, October 23, 2009

7:30 pm - 8:30 am Registration

Woodrow Wilson Foyer

8:30 am - 9:15 am Opening Session

Woodrow Wilson A

Welcome - Scott Ward, President, APTA

Opening Keynote - Marilyn Moffat, President, WCPT

Closing - Alice Aiken, President, CPA

9:15 am - 10:45 am  Focused Symposium: Direct Access - Service development, implementation and effectiveness

Woodrow Wilson A

Lesley Holdsworth (UK)

Ina Diener (South Africa)

Ilse Swinkels (the Netherlands)

Molly Verrier (Canada)

10:45 am - 11:30 am Break and Poster Viewing Session

Woodrow Wilson D

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Panel Discussion: Direct Access - Challenges and Opportunities

Woodrow Wilson A

David Greathouse (USA)

Johnny Kuhr (Denmark)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   Focused Symposium: Advanced Scope of Practice - defining and extending the scope of Physical Therapy practice

Woodrow Wilson A

Chair: Alice Aiken (CPA)

Jan Robinson (Canada)

Dorianne Sauve (Canada)

Susan Greenhalgh (UK)

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm   Break and Poster Viewing Session

Woodrow Wilson D

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm   Panel Discussion: Advancing the Scope of Physical Therapy Practice

Woodrow Wilson A

Jon Warren (New Zealand)

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm   Closing Remarks

Woodrow Wilson A

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

 

8:30 am - 9:15 am    Opening Keynote Breakfast

Woodrow Wilson A

Speaker TBA

9:15 am - 10:30 am  Focused Symposium: Policy Leadership and Development - Influencing and shaping policy

Woodrow Wilson A

Jonathon Kruger (Australia)

Celia Tan (Singapore)

Sheliagh Morris (UK)

Naima Selah (United Arab Emirates)

10:30 am - 11:30 am           Break and Poster Viewing

Woodrow Wilson D

11:30 am - 12:30 pm           Panel Discussion: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Woodrow Wilson A

Jon Warren (New Zealand)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

Woodrow Wilson A

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   Breakout Sessions

Direct Access

Chesapeake I (eye)

Advanced Scope of Practice

Chesapeake H

Policy Development and Implementation

Chesapeake 12

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm   Break and Poster Viewing

Woodrow Wilson D

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm   Plenary Session: Reports from the Breakouts

Woodrow Wilson A

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm   Closing Remarks and Plan of Action

Woodrow Wilson A

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

9:00 am - 3:00 pm    Workgroup (by invitation only)

Woodrow Wilson A

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Description of Programming

Symposia

Friday, October 23, 2009

Title of Symposium: Direct Access: Service development, implementation and effectiveness

Speakers: Satya Rangarajan (USA); Ina Diener (South Africa); Lesley Holdsworth (UK); Ilse Swinkels (the Netherlands); Molly Verrier (Canada)

Objectives of Presentation: The symposium will examine the characteristics of direct access to physical therapy services in various countries throughout the world. The speakers will present the evidence for direct access focusing on patient management and implementation strategies, characteristics of the social system in which the services are provided, and the effects of direct access on service delivery and professional stature.

Title of Symposium: Advanced Scope of Practice - defining and extending the scope of physical therapy practice

Speakers: Jan Robinson (Canada); Dorianne Sauve (Canada); Susan Greenhalgh (UK)

Objectives of Presentation: The symposium will examine the development and effects of advanced scope of physical therapy practice in different health care systems. The speakers will describe the drivers for the development of advanced scope of physical therapy practice, the consequences on practice and professional roles and responsibilities, and the resultant regulatory changes.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Title of Symposium: Policy Leadership and Development - Influencing and shaping policy

Speakers: Jonathan Kruger (Australia); Celia Tan (Singapore); Sheliagh Morris (UK); Naima Selah (United Arab Emirates)

Objectives of Presentation: This symposium will outline why policy and leadership development are critical components of advocacy and advancement for the physical therapy profession. The speakers will provide insights into the experiences of WCPT member organizations and government health advisers in advocating for change on behalf of the physical therapy profession. Particular emphasis will be placed on advances in primary contact physiotherapy and the emergence of advanced and extended practice roles.

 

Panel Presentations

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Friday, October 23, 2009

 

Title of Panel: Direct Access

Speakers: David Greathouse (USA), Johnny Kuhr (Denmark)

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will discuss key issues regarding direct access in various countries. The emphasis will be on the practical implementation of direct access through relevant experience gained from experts in various roles (i.e., clinical, regulatory, professional association, other). The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

 

Title of Panel: Advanced Scope of Practice

Speakers:

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will focus on different perspectives and key issues on advanced or emerging scope of practice in various areas of clinical expertise. The emphasis will be on practical implementation of advanced or emerging scope of practice from the perspective of practitioners, patients, and member organizations, education providers/institutes and /or regulatory bodies. The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

 

Title of Panel: Policy and Leadership

Speakers: Jon Warren (New Zealand)

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will draw on relevant experience gained from a number of WCPT's member organizations and programs on policy and leadership initiatives to strategically advance both direct access and / or advance scope of practice in the profession. The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

Facilitated Discussion Groups

This discussion group will provide an open forum for attendees to pose questions and to present and explore various viewpoints on direct access.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Topic: Direct Access

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Advanced Scope of Practice

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Policy and Leadership

Facilitator: TBA

 

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