IFOMPT’s Educational Standards and International Monitoring: A member survey and review

This research aimed to seek insight and feedback from IFOMPT’s membership on the ES and international monitoring to inform their current review and future restructure. It is vital for the growth of IFOMPT that the ES and monitoring of these remains contemporary and reflects the strategic plan for IFOMPT. Small, limited-scope member surveys had been conducted in the past. This study aimed to undertake a membership-wide survey.

This research was a cross-sectional, observational design using an online survey. IFOMPT members were invited to participate in the survey between December 2023-January 2024. Independent content validity was assessed to refine the survey. The survey included a mix of open and closed items and was offered in 14 languages. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used for closed questions; content analysis was used for open questions.

869 participants were eligible and completed the survey. IFOMPT’s membership clearly values both the ES and international monitoring, and believes they are contemporary and evidence-informed. However, opinion was divided regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the ES and international monitoring and whether the ES represent a minimum or maximum standard. Many differences of opinion reflect the different educational programmes taught globally, for example university versus community programmes and regional, ethnic, and cultural differences that exist internationally. Constructive recommendations were provided for the improvement of the ES and international monitoring, including reduction of size and complexity, with increased flexibility to ensure they are fit for purpose into the future and serve towards the growth of IFOMPT. Furthermore, recommendations for how the ES and international monitoring could pragmatically adapt to different regional challenges were offered.

This was the largest member-wide survey of IFOMPT examining the ES and international monitoring. The findings of the survey are extremely valuable to inform the current review of the ES and international monitoring, particularly given the divided opinion concerning the useability and content of the ES.

IFOMPT’s ES not only provide entry criteria to membership, they also represent an internationally high standard of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and manual therapy education and practice. Ensuring that both the ES and international monitoring are contemporary and fit for purpose is critical for the future growth of IFOMPT, and will be beneficial for the future growth of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and manual therapy globally. The timing of these findings to coincide with a current review and restructure of the ES and international monitoring aligns well as IFOMPT looks to enact a new strategic plan for the next five years. This work will not only encourage the future growth of IFOMPT, but also allow the organisation the opportunity to take further leadership in global education initiatives for musculoskeletal physiotherapists worldwide.