This session will explore the diverse approaches to school-based physiotherapy across different countries, highlighting innovative practices, collaboration, and practical solutions to commonly encountered challenges. Participants will gain insight into a variety of service models and interventions that promote the learning, development and wellbeing of students within educational settings, around the world regardless of their abilities.
Introduction (5 minutes): The session will begin with an overview of the role of school-based physiotherapy and will set the stage for exploring diverse practices of physiotherapists working in educational settings.
Part 1: Global overview of school-based physiotherapy (15 minutes): Participants will learn about the role of school-based physiotherapists in various service delivery models across different countries. A tiered model of service delivery will be introduced, highlighting its application at three levels including school-wide initiatives (Tier 1), group interventions (Tier 2), and individualised supports (Tier 3). Case examples will be presented to show the implementation of school-based physiotherapy in different educational settings, underscoring commonalities and uniqueness of the approaches.
Part 2: Case studies of evidence-based practices (30 minutes): This section will present case studies from various countries, organised around key themes such as:
- Assessment in context: Examples of assessments conducted in students' everyday environments.
- Diverse intervention approaches: An exploration of school-wide, group, and individual interventions, emphasising how these methods can adapt to the cultural and educational context of each country.
- Collaborative practices: Discussion on how multidisciplinary teams work together to best support students.
- Capacity Building: An examination of partnering, collaborating, and sharing knowledge and skills with other providers to best support children with various abilities in the school context.
Conclusion and Q&A (10 minutes): The session will conclude with a summary of key takeaways and an interactive Q&A, allowing participants to discuss how they can apply these global practices in their own work.
This submission features a global perspective of school-based physiotherapy practice with panel members representing four World Physiotherapy Regions and high-, middle- and lower-income countries. Case studies explore cross-country differences, considering educational systems, cultural contexts, and resource availability thus fostering inclusivity for participant learning. Diverse service populations, including children with disabilities, life-limiting conditions, and typically developing children are also considered. Evidence-based discussion on sex differences in motor skills and its impact on academic performance will occur.
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