Trends in clinical practice: an analysis of competencies

This study was designed to re-evaluate a comprehensive list of competencies for professional physical therapy practice that was developed, edited and field-tested three years ago. At that time, a representative population of physical therapy clinicians practising in the province of Quebec had rated 224 competence statements as to the respective levels of importance within their own professional practice. A smaller sample of these same physical therapists was again surveyed, three years later, for their reaction to the list in relation to clinical practice today. Of this group, 23 were still staff therapists and two had become administrators. The response rates indicate changes in treatment patterns with regard to cardiorespiratory conditions, electrotherapy, and prevention and maintenance programs. The changes in response rates, noted in the category of administration, can be attributed to the change in position of the two physical therapists who had become administrators. As shown in the previous study, there is still little evidence of research-related activities being carried out in the clinical field. This re-evaluation was undertaken in order to ascertain if there were changes in clinical practice occurring over time and whether or not these changes could be related to a change of position.