Introduction of the harmonised respiratory physiotherapy curriculum

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
• Medical Education and Training

Background:

• The European Respiratory Society (ERS) previously published a core syllabus for respiratory physiotherapy postgraduate training in 2014.
• There was a need for a harmonised and structured curriculum to standardise training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the rationale, methodology, and content of the newly developed ERS postgraduate curriculum for respiratory physiotherapy.
• To outline the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes for respiratory physiotherapists.
• To provide guidance on minimal clinical exposures, learning methods, and assessment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a harmonised and structured postgraduate curriculum by the ERS respiratory physiotherapy task force.
• Building upon the existing 2014 core syllabus.
• Inclusion of guidance for clinical exposures, learning, and assessment.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive postgraduate curriculum for respiratory physiotherapy training has been established.
• The curriculum specifies the necessary competencies for respiratory physiotherapists working with adult and paediatric patients.
• Guidance on practical training components, including clinical exposure and assessment methods, is provided.

Conclusions:

• The ERS respiratory physiotherapy curriculum provides a structured framework for postgraduate training.
• It ensures a consistent standard of education and practice for respiratory physiotherapists.
• The full curriculum is available in supplementary materials for wider accessibility.