The Physiotherapy Regulation and Accreditation (PRA) network hosts panel event

Who is the PRA network?

The Physiotherapy Regulation and Accreditation (PRA) network is a group of international stakeholders who share best practices and aim to strengthen accreditation and regulation within the physiotherapy profession across the globe.  

The international physiotherapy profession is known for its strong partnerships and collaboration that enable high standards of practice around the world. In recent months, a group of regulation and accreditation stakeholders have held meetings at an open event to share knowledge and best practices, and identify opportunities to strengthen regulation and accreditation in the stakeholders’ home countries. 

In 2021, the Physiotherapy Regulation and Accreditation (PRA) network was established and is supported by the Australian Physiotherapy Council who acts as secretariat. 

Why does the PRA network exist?

The PRA network meets to achieve several key principles:  

• Foster collaboration between jurisdictions promoting high-quality regulation and accreditation 
• Support evidence-based practices and facilitate research
• Support developing regulation systems and promotes best practices
• Foster innovation in regulation, accreditation and assessment 

Facilitating collaboration and innovation, the network held its first event virtually in November, welcoming 40 attendees from every continent. Attendees heard from guest panellists who shared insights and research about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapy patients, clinical education and regulation.   

The Australia Physiotherapy Council’s CEO Mr Anton Barnett-Harris hosted the event and introduced the panellists and their presentations.  

• New Zealand 2020 Lockdown Patient Survey: Preliminary Findings – presented by Professor David Baxter, the University of Otago and Damon Newrick, Professional Advisor, Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand 
• Developing Expertise in Telerehabilitation: Achievement of Clinical Competencies During and Following the COVID-19 Pandemic – presented by Dr Samantha Doralp from Western University in Ontario, Canada 
• Regulatory Impacts of Changes to Physiotherapy Practice in Australia during the COVID19 Pandemic – presented by Kim Gibson – Chair, Physiotherapy Board of Australia 

How to participate?

Following the positive feedback from attendees at the November virtual panel event, PRA will be looking to organise further panel events in 2022. 

If you are involved in physiotherapy regulation and accreditation around the world, PRA invites you to contact us info@pra.network, and we will let you know of the upcoming virtual events in 2022.