The primary aim of this project is to evaluate the current integration of planetary health principles into the physiotherapy curriculum at HESAV, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. Secondary objectives include assessing other PHRC domains, such as interdisciplinary research and campus sustainability, with the ultimate goal of making concrete recommendations for a sustainable healthcare education at large.
This pilot study is led by students of the physiotherapy department, guided by faculty mentors. The project will proceed in several phases:
- Curriculum Analysis: Review of existing course content to identify areas where planetary health is integrated or missing.
- Stakeholder Interviews: Discussions with faculty and course leaders to gather insights on current and future integration possibilities.
- Data Collection: Students will evaluate the other PHRC categories, including institutional support and sustainability initiatives.
- Reporting: A detailed report will be prepared, summarizing the findings and providing recommendations for curriculum improvements and long-term institutional sustainability efforts.
The results of this project will be available from December/January 2024, what applies for presentation at the congress. Preliminary evaluations indicate several areas where planetary health principles are underrepresented in the curriculum. Early feedback from faculty and students has been positive, highlighting a growing awareness of the importance of integrating sustainability into physiotherapy education.
This student-led initiative is expected to provide key insights into how sustainability can be better integrated into physiotherapy training. By empowering students to lead this initiative, the project not only fosters leadership and ownership among future healthcare professionals but also aligns with global and institutional sustainability goals. In addition, the findings are expected to provide valuable insights into how educational institutions can adapt existing curricula to address urgent environmental health issues. Future work will focus on implementing the recommendations and exploring the feasibility of extending the PHRC approach to other health disciplines within HES-SO.
The project’s shows the potential for student leadership in driving institutional change, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting sustainable healthcare education beyond mere curriculum reform. By incorporating planetary health into their training, future physiotherapists will be better equipped to address the environmental challenges that increasingly affect health of our community and clinical practice.
Physiotherapy Education
Sustainability
