Perceptions of competencies and education of registered kinesiologists in Ontario

Kinesiology has been a regulated health profession in Ontario, Canada, since 2013. A critical step in understanding their integration into the health delivery system is evaluating the perceptions and awareness of associated groups. This study involved a cross-sectional survey of 202 Registered Kinesiologists (RKin) and 341 other healthcare professionals (OHPs) and assessed perceptions of RKin clinical competency across 10 domains within their scope of practice, and education and clinical training in six areas. A lack of overall awareness of RKins' was observed amongst OHP, with 33% unable to judge RKin clinical competences and 24% expressing uncertainty in evaluating the adequacy of educational training. The majority of RKins (80%-93%) self-rated their proficiency as "clinically competent" across nine of ten clinical domains within their scope of practice. The sole exception was diet counselling, which exhibited the greatest variability and lowest self-reported competency (39%). OHPs and RKins perceived RKin clinical competency and education most favourably in exercise prescription, basic science and physiology, and movement analysis. Gaps in awareness of their broader scope represent potential barriers to integration. Targeted advocacy, interprofessional education, professional learning opportunities, and practical training are suggested and critical to enhancing RKins integration within the Ontario health delivery system.