The Network of Researching Physiotherapists at German University Hospitals was established in autumn 2022 to collaboratively advance genuine physiotherapeutic research at German university hospitals. The network aims to provide mutual support among researching physiotherapists for the development and enhancement of physiotherapeutic research and its infrastructure. Furthermore, it seeks to act as a voice for the interests of physiotherapeutic research at university hospitals and to present a united front to stakeholders.
In summer 2023, the network conducted a scoping workshop funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, during which a position paper on authentic physiotherapy research at German university hospitals was developed.
The position paper specified not only the opportunities, benefits, framework conditions, and challenges of physiotherapeutic research within the university hospital setting, but also outlined the research priorities for this context.
At the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 in Tokyo, this nascent network will present its structure alongside the position paper to the international physiotherapeutic community. Connections to additional international physiotherapeutic research networks enhance collaborative research initiatives on a global scale.
International research networks bolster physiotherapeutic research and can facilitate the processes of academisation and professionalization in Germany by raising awareness among policymakers. Furthermore, insights gained from other countries may positively influence the revision of educational legislation, thereby establishing conducive conditions for authentic physiotherapy research.
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