Caring in and for physiotherapy through stewardship

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Professional Ethics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Care is a fundamental aspect of health professions, including physiotherapy.
• Professional formation emphasizes service and standards, but neglects future-oriented care.
• Rapid societal and healthcare changes necessitate a focus on the profession's future relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of stewardship as a framework for understanding care for the future of the physiotherapy profession.
• To argue for the importance of stewardship in maintaining the ongoing relevance and identity of physiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on Golde and Walker's (2006) idea of stewardship.
• Exploration of how stewardship can be applied to professional practice and education.

Main Results:

• Stewardship offers a perspective of deep, authentic care and responsibility for the profession's future.
• It encourages continuous questioning of the profession's identity and scope of practice.
• Integrating stewardship can ensure physiotherapy remains relevant in evolving healthcare landscapes.

Conclusions:

• Stewardship is a vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of professional care in physiotherapy.
• Adopting a stewardship mindset is crucial for navigating changes and ensuring the long-term vitality of the profession.