A framework for determining curricular content of entry level physiotherapy programmes: electrophysical agents as a case study

Electrophysical agents have been a core part of physiotherapy practice since the establishment of the profession. However, significant changes in the health arena over the last 20 years have challenged the place of electrophysical agents as a core aspect of physiotherapy practice. The development of manual techniques and a greater focus on exercise therapies and evidence based practice have led to a shift in the way physiotherapists view and use electrophysical agents. At the same time, the types and complexity of electrophysical equipment has increased considerably. These changes create difficulties in determining which electrophysical agents should be included in entry level physiotherapy curricula. Using electrophysical agents as an example, this paper presents the challenges facing the profession in terms of what and how decisions concerning entry-level physiotherapy curricula may be made. A framework for integrating both clinical practice trends and research evidence is presented as a means for determining entry level physiotherapy curricula in the next ten years.