For a number of years WCPT has published data from its membership organisations on a range of issues, including professional regulation, practice, education, and the number of employed physical therapists. This data provides a comprehensive and valuable global profile of the profession.
WCPT Chief Executive Jonathon Kruger said:
‘The surveys from our membership organisations continue to provide rich and valuable international comparisons which WCPT and its members can use to influence policy decisions around health, health service delivery, human resource planning, and education.’
The most recent update to the country profiles is based on surveys completed by 102 member organisations in mid-2017. The profiles and infographics give a global snapshot of the profession of physical therapy across the world, showing variations in the density of physical therapists in different countries and between regions. Some notable trends include:
- 71% of physical therapists are licenced by their national or regional body
- 78% of WCPT member organisations have special interest groups focusing on physical therapy specialisms
- 83% of countries hold a national conference
The country profile maps allow users to see how the global profession has evolved since 2013. The maps are an interactive resource that can be printed or downloaded, and can be accessed here.
Feedback from member organisation has been overwhelmingly positive:
‘Seeing such a beautiful snapshot which can make a clear understanding of our position and the characteristics of the physical therapy situation in WCPT’s Asian Western Pacific region. This is very useful.’
‘I want to thank our WCPT executive body for this feedback which reveals much about our association and its relationship with similar organisations in our region. This data shows we have to more work to do to organise and develop physiotherapy in our country.’
