Title of Symposium: Direct Access: Service development, implementation and effectiveness Speakers: Ina Diener (South Africa); Lesley Holdsworth (UK); Ilse Swinkels (the Netherlands); Molly Verrier (Canada)

Objectives of Presentation: The symposium will examine the characteristics of direct access to physical therapy services in various countries throughout the world. The speakers will present the evidence for direct access focusing on patient management and implementation strategies, characteristics of the social system in which the services are provided, and the effects of direct access on service delivery and professional stature.

Title of Symposium: Advanced Scope of Practice - defining and extending the scope of physical therapy practice

Speakers: Jan Robinson (Canada); Dorianne Sauve (Canada); Susan Greenhalgh (UK)

Objectives of Presentation: The symposium will examine the development and effects of advanced scope of physical therapy practice in different health care systems. The speakers will describe the drivers for the development of advanced scope of physical therapy practice, the consequences on practice and professional roles and responsibilities, and the resultant regulatory changes.

Title of Symposium: Policy Leadership and Development - Influencing and shaping policy

Speakers: Jonathan Kruger (Australia); Celia Tan (Singapore); Sheliagh Morris (UK); Naima Selah (United Arab Emirates)

Objectives of Presentation: This symposium will outline why policy and leadership development are critical components of advocacy and advancement for the physical therapy profession. The speakers will provide insights into the experiences of WCPT member organizations and government health advisers in advocating for change on behalf of the physical therapy profession. Particular emphasis will be placed on advances in primary contact physiotherapy and the emergence of advanced and extended practice roles.

Title of Panel: Direct Access

Speakers: David Greathouse (USA), Johnny Kuhr (Denmark)

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will discuss key issues regarding direct access in various countries. The emphasis will be on the practical implementation of direct access through relevant experience gained from experts in various roles (i.e., clinical, regulatory, professional association, other). The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

Title of Panel: Advanced Scope of Practice

Speakers:

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will focus on different perspectives and key issues on advanced or emerging scope of practice in various areas of clinical expertise. The emphasis will be on practical implementation of advanced or emerging scope of practice from the perspective of practitioners, patients, and member organizations, education providers/institutes and /or regulatory bodies. The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

Title of Panel: Policy and Leadership

Speakers: Jon Warren (New Zealand)

Objectives of Presentation: This Panel will draw on relevant experience gained from a number of WCPT's member organizations and programs on policy and leadership initiatives to strategically advance both direct access and / or advance scope of practice in the profession. The session will provide an open forum for participants to pose questions to the Panel members.

Topic: Direct Access

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Advanced Scope of Practice

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Policy and Leadership

Facilitator: TBA