Validation of the World Health Organization Rehabilitation Competency Framework: An illustration using physiotherapy

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Health workforce development
• Physiotherapy education

Background:

• The World Health Organization's Rehabilitation 2030 initiative guides global rehabilitation.
• The Rehabilitation Competency Framework (RCF) defines workforce requirements.
• Understanding physiotherapy competencies is crucial for aligning with global standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and review global physiotherapy competencies.
• To assess the congruence of these competencies with the World Health Organization's Rehabilitation Competency Framework (WHO-RCF).

Main Methods:

• Document review and thematic analysis of physiotherapy competency documents from World Physiotherapy member countries.
• A systematic search strategy identified competencies.
• Competency statements were categorized using the WHO-RCF domains.
• Inductive thematic analysis derived a conceptual framework.

Main Results:

• 2001 competency statements from 20 documents were analyzed and mapped to the WHO-RCF.
• A conceptual framework with 17 themes and 59 sub-themes across five domains was developed.
• Gaps were identified in technological competence, entrepreneurship, and social justice competencies.

Conclusions:

• A standardized methodology using the WHO-RCF is recommended for developing future physiotherapy competency frameworks.
• Frameworks should be contextually relevant and incorporate competencies for equitable access and improved health outcomes.
• Addressing identified gaps is essential for advancing the physiotherapy profession globally.