ICF in the Professional Physiotherapy Education: Does the Teaching of Professional Physiotherapy School’s Curriculum Integrate the ICF?
Cross-sectional Study
Background:
Since the introduction of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in 2001 extensive efforts have been made to implement it in physiotherapy. To date, in Germany there exist no standardised guidelines for the integration of the ICF into teaching of professional physiotherapy schools to do not exist.
Objective:
This study investigated the level of ICF-integration in German professional physiotherapy schools in order to initiate further development of its integration.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was performed using standardised questionnaires for headmasters, teachers and students.
Results:
96.8 % of the schools include ICF in their teaching lessons. The average level of ICF-integration in school and teaching structures is 74.9 %. There is no significant correlation between the application of education guidelines and ICF integration. A statistically significant difference exists between the competences expected by teachers (82.7 %) and those attained by students (63.4 %).
Conclusions:
The ICF is already part of the curriculum, although there is no nationwide standard. Guidelines stipulating the ICF in teaching have no relevant influence on the level of ICF integration. The intended acquisition of expertise is very high and there is a discrepancy to the actual acquired expertise of the students. Evaluation of the sources might promote the establishment of the ICF.
