The overall Congress theme for 2007 is Moving Physical Therapy Forward, this continues the theme used in 2003 and as promoted in the current strategic direction and policies of WCPT. It is seen as a unifying theme encompassing global change, challenges and opportunities for the profession of physical therapy and the governments, professionals and populations we work with. Where better to move physical therapy forward than at its prestigious international Congress!
Congress 2007 is structured around 5 core programme tracks. These have been used to draw together different sessions that complement each other.
Track 3: Professional Practice
Track 5: Research and Development
Congress provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on international health care policy and its implications for physical therapy and the population. With an ageing population and the ever increasing burden of disease and disability, physical therapists have a vital role to play in working with individuals and populations affected by the epidemics of modern society, such as HIV / AIDS, cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the increasing focus on wellness and health promotion provide many opportunities for physical therapy. WCPT is working with governmental and non-governmental international agencies to address many of these issues. This programme track takes a look at issues related to global health from a population perspective.
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The profession of physical therapy is evolving all the time, learning from the past and looking to the future. The status and profile of physical therapy varies internationally as does the context within which physical therapists work. The way in which health care services are delivered is continually changing with new models developing and opportunities for physical therapists emerging, at the same time as putting patients at the centre of health care provision. And yet, in some countries physical therapists continue to face a struggle for autonomy, often working in difficult and hostile environments. However, wherever physical therapists practice they share common goals: putting patients first, providing high quality services, maintaining professional standards and the ability to adapt to change. This track focuses on the many issues that affect the context and scope of practice.
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This track focuses on the practice of physical therapy from referral through assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation. Encompassing health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation throughout the lifespan and across different health care settings, this track emphasises the clinical practice of physical therapists working with patients / client groups seen every day. Underpinning this clinical practice is the knowledge derived from the biological, physical, behavioural and clinical sciences. The latest research and innovation to inform practice are vital requirements in contributing to the development of the profession and evidence based practice. Congress provides an excellent opportunity to present and discuss the latest advances.
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Physical therapy education is a continuum of life long learning beginning with admission to an accredited physical therapy school and ending with retirement from active practice. It includes post-qualifying education and specialisation opportunities. How educational provision is organised, delivered and evaluated are important issues. In striving to meet the need to educate physical therapists for practice in a changing environment and in different practice contexts new models of education provision and delivery are continually evolving. This track focuses on ensuring that physical therapists are appropriately prepared and fit for practice and the roles they take on as their career paths progress.
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The generation of evidence through research is essential to the development of evidence based practice. The methods used to generate, disseminate and implement this evidence require scrutiny and evaluation. Additionally, innovative ways to build research networks, define research agendas and to develop capacity and capability within the profession are critical to delivering the evidence required for practice. The challenges for new researchers are well known and there is much to be learnt from sharing good practice and collaboration. This track focuses on the processes of research and development.
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