As the pandemic stretches into its second year, healthcare has been a global priority.

The year 2021 was designated by the World Health Organization as the International Year of Health and Care Workers in appreciation and gratitude for their unwavering dedication in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

With many practitioners in lockdown for much of 2021, this year has presented its fair share of challenges to practice.

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia is impressed by the way the profession in Australia has adapted and responded while continuing to provide treatment and keep clients safe.

‘As we draw close to the end of 2021, on behalf of the Board I want to thank you for your commitment to the profession during the past 12 months.

'We will continue to look at how best to support the work you do to provide safe, quality care for your patients in 2022,’ Chair Kim Gibson said.

The year in review

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the Board has made progress with its engagement, policy development and strategic projects in 2021.

Here is a snapshot of the work that has been done.

Engagement with our stakeholders

The Physiotherapy Board continues to work and meet virtually.

We are responding to the many issues that have arisen for physiotherapists who are practising in ever-changing environments.

The Board has been engaging nationally with practitioners and stakeholders through (virtual) events and webinars, including practitioners in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

We also held a webinar for students and recent graduates.

As part of its strategic objectives, the Board strengthened its relationships with its key stakeholders, including the Australian Physiotherapy Association and its appointed accreditation authority, the Australian Physiotherapy Council, as well as the Council of Physiotherapy Deans of Australia and New Zealand.

These partnerships are valuable as we work together to consider the workforce, public safety and clinical education implications.

Revised regulatory principles

The regulatory principles guide the National Boards and Ahpra when making regulatory decisions.

The principles have been updated to reflect both community expectations and a directive from the Health Council to strengthen the focus on public protection within the National Scheme.

The revised regulatory principles reinforce that public safety is the primary concern in our regulatory decision-making.

They also recognise the role of the National Boards and Ahpra in developing a culturally safe and respectful health workforce.

Think tank

In August this year, the Physiotherapy Board joined the Australian Physiotherapy Council, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Chair of the Council of Physiotherapy Deans of Australia and New Zealand to discuss the physiotherapy profession in Australia and the current development and challenges it is facing.

It is envisaged that this group will meet annually to share information and insights in order to understand any matters that need addressing in a coordinated and collaborative way.

Prescribing project

The Board is continuing the conversation with key stakeholders regarding potential physiotherapy prescribing options in Australia.

We commissioned a literature review and exploration report that were completed in early 2020 on the success of physiotherapy prescribing in other jurisdictions and the implications for the Australian context.

This year we have continued the development of the concept by creating a background paper and engaging with key stakeholders in the area of non-medical prescribing.

Work on this will continue into 2022.

COVID-19

The key focus for this year’s World Physiotherapy Day, held on 8 September, was Long COVID and rehabilitation.

The Board developed a podcast to help inform Australian physiotherapists and consumers about Long COVID, which is an emerging condition that is not yet well understood but can be severely disabling.

‘There is still uncertainty as to the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian community in the longer term.

'As physiotherapists, we need to know how to manage patients who have had COVID-19, particularly those who have complications from this virus, and how as physiotherapists we help them in their recovery,’ Ms Gibson said.

‘With the opening up of state and territory borders around the country, I wish all physiotherapists and their families a safe and restive holiday period.

'I’m sure that 2022 will be a better year for everyone.’

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