Transforming physio quality in education

Physiotherapy education evolves in step with the demands of modern healthcare so that future graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the demands of the healthcare sector and the Transforming Quality in Physiotherapy Education (TQPE) project aims to reshape physiotherapy education. 

Since the start of the project in July 2024, the team at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has collaborated with the CSP education team gathering perspectives from 16 stakeholder groups, including educators, students, apprentices, service users, clinicians, and support workers. 

By integrating these varied perspectives, the project strives to ensure education aligns with modern physiotherapy challenges. 

The project findings will inform evidence-based recommendations to update the CSP’s Learning and Development (L&D) principles, a fundamental mapping tool for physiotherapy education programmes during quality assessment processes. The update will elevate physiotherapy education standards, aligning with the current professional demands and supporting high-quality graduate preparation. 

About the team

The interdisciplinary team at GCU, specialising in physiotherapy education, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement, will develop evidence-backed recommendations to shape the future of physiotherapy education. 

Project lead, Dr Shiv Shanmugam, says: ‘Our goal is to recommend enhancements that support both educators and learners, ensuring physiotherapy graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
‘Feedback from our stakeholder consultations has been invaluable, highlighting both strengths in current practices and key areas for development.’

Progress and key insights

The project’s work has two phases. The first phase, now complete, focused on examining curriculum alignment, skill development, and the impact of practice-based learning on student readiness. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of integrating digital health training and simulation-based learning to better prepare students for contemporary practice environments. Simulation was identified as crucial for bridging theory and practice, enhancing student confidence and readiness. There is a strong call for flexibility in physiotherapy training, ensuring that graduates are resilient and prepared for the demands of modern healthcare settings. The second phase modernises the CSP’s quality assurance and accreditation processes to reflect updated educational standards and requirements.  

Research fellow, Dr Laura Blackburn, shares that: ‘Stakeholder input is core to the project, as collaboration across the profession is essential for driving meaningful improvements that align education with the practical demands of physiotherapy.’

What’s next? 

Central to the project is a commitment to enhance the learner journey, from initial entry into education through to professional practice. Outcomes will establish future-ready standards in education, fostering a more agile and adaptable physiotherapy workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare and deliver exceptional, person-centred care. 

Looking ahead: the update and modernising of CSP accreditation 

The project’s recommendations will be finalised by May and available soon after. They will inform the update of CSP quality assurance frameworks over the remainder of next year and timescales for implementation of the updated frameworks will be communicated to universities and educators before being brought into effect.

Forthcoming updates to the L&D principles and quality assurance processes will set a new standard of physiotherapy education, one that ensures future graduates are equipped for the healthcare landscape’s rapid shifts. The CSP’s commitment to evolving educational practices will enable educators to better support learners’ development.  

CSP education adviser Sundeep Watkins says: ‘This project will inform the most comprehensive update in physiotherapy education and quality assurance in over a decade. Healthcare and physiotherapy have evolved significantly in that time and education must stay in step. 

The recommendations from this project will help ensure learners are able to join the profession as capable and future-facing practitioners.’