CSP Physiotherapy Framework

Physiotherapy values

At the heart of physiotherapy practice is a set of values - shared by CSP members - regardless of their occupational role, practice setting, or level of practice. These values inform the behaviour of CSP members, and the knowledge (theoretical and applied) and skills that the physiotherapy workforce uses and develops. This element is a single domain.

Physiotherapy knowledge

The physiotherapy knowledge element of the framework describes the theoretical knowledge required for physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapy knowledge shapes, and is shaped by the profession’s constantly evolving scope of practice. Although an individual’s knowledge base will be shaped by the demands and context of their practice, physiotherapists must demonstrate how their knowledge and understanding relates to physiotherapy and their individual scope of practice. This element contains 3 domains – knowledge and understanding of physiotherapy, self-awareness, and political awareness

Physiotherapy practice skills

The practical (psycho-motor) skills used by the physiotherapy workforce. In order to apply physiotherapy-specific practice skills, physiotherapy values and knowledge and required. Without physiotherapy knowledge and values, physiotherapy practice skills of exercise and movement, manual therapy, electro-physical modalities and other physical approaches become nothing more than a physical technique. This element of the framework also includes practical skills/techniques that are not unique to physiotherapy practice such as First Aid or Manual Handling. As with physiotherapy knowledge, an individual's skill-base will evolve according to their experiences and context of practice, but practitioners must demonstrate how their skills relate to physiotherapy and their personal scope of practice. This element is a single domain.

Generic behaviours, knowledge and skills

As well as its physiotherapy values, knowledge and practice skills, the physiotherapy workforce also requires generic knowledge and skills. These are behaviours, knowledge and skills used by all practitioners working in the health and wellbeing economy. The physiotherapy workforce uses these sets of generic behaviours, knowledge and skills to apply its physiotherapy values, knowledge and practice skills to maximise individuals’ potential – through its clinical, educational, leadership and research practice.

This final element is subdivided into 2 sections:

behaviours, knowledge and skills for interacting.

This section contains 6 domains – communicating, helping others learn and develop, managing self and others, promoting integration and teamwork, putting the person at the centre of practice, and respecting and promoting diversity

behaviours, knowledge and skills for problem-solving and decision making

This section contains 6 domains – ensuring quality, improving and developing services, lifelong learning, practice decision making, researching and evaluating practice, and using evidence to lead practice

Each of the domains (except the values domain) within the framework are described at 6 different levels.