An in-service training programme for intern physiotherapists

In-service education is one component or method of continuing education. This paper discusses the development of an in-service training programme for intern physiotherapists which is being conducted at the Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals in Sydney. The basic philosophy behind the programme is the proposition that the intern year for physiotherapists should be both a year of service and a total learning experience aimed at providing a transition between student training and independent professional responsibilities and capabilities. Accordingly the programme was planned to provide training for the interns which would assist them in developing clinical expertise in the tasks of a junior physiotherapist. The programme is proving to be a useful component of the overall learning experiences available to the 19 intern physiotherapists who are allocated to these hospitals each year.