An exploration of the professional identity embedded within UK cardiorespiratory physiotherapy curricula

To explore whether consensus exists about content and professional identity represented within pre-registration cardiorespiratory physiotherapy (CPT) curricula, and to establish whether the curricula feature contemporary themes evident in policy and professional guidance in order to test whether CPT education is demonstrating responsiveness and relevance to practice.

An exploratory qualitative case study design employing documentary analysis of curricula materials related to CPT.

Fourteen UK higher education institutions offering undergraduate physiotherapy qualifying programmes agreed to participate.

Relevant curriculum documentation was requested, such as student module guides, programme handbooks and institutional module descriptors, encompassing information including indicative content, teaching and learning methods, and modes of assessment. Document analysis combined deduction (through content analysis) and induction (through thematic analysis).

Consensus was observed on core content, underpinning philosophy and professional identity across institutions. The projected identity appeared to be strongly biomedical in focus, and was less well influenced by some of the contemporary aspects promoted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, such as promotion of a patient-centred model of practice and acknowledgement of the emotional challenges existing within this area of work.

Continuing critical review of the content and approach promoted within curricula is needed to ensure that learning remains relevant and responsive to current agendas. This study supports the need for course teams to reconsider the emphasis within individual curricula to ensure that responsiveness and relevance to the practice setting are made explicit.