International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy

 

NEWS RELEASE: INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT REACHES AGREEMENT: PATIENT SELF-REFFERAL TO PHYSICAL THERAPY IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH

American Physical Therapy Association President R. Scott Ward, PT, stated, "This weekend we heard evidence from around the world that clearly demonstrates that direct patient access to physical therapists is appropriate for all Americans. The findings of this conference confirm that the legislation allowing patients to access physical therapists without a referral -- legislation that currently exists in 44 states -- is worth pursuing in all states and at the federal level."

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NEWS RELEASE: INTERNATIONAL POLICY SUMMIT REACHES CONSENSUS: PATIENT SELF-REFERRAL TO PHYSIOTHERAPY IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH

October 26, 2009 – Today in Washington, DC, physiotherapists from around the world heard that direct patient access and self-referral to physiotherapy improves public health. Patient self-referral and direct access is proven to be safe, and results in better health outcomes, more timely care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs.

Leaders from 18 countries attending the International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy endorsed the results of research that clearly demonstrate that patient self-referral to physiotherapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private. Direct access and self-referral allows patients to access physiotherapy as their first choice for rehabilitation. A physician referral is not required.

The International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy, hosted by the:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)
  • World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

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Support from Physical Therapy Association Leaders

This new event will be taking place in Washington, D.C. from 22-24 October 2009. Accommodations/housing are available at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Click here to learn more.

The objective of the summit is to share international experiences in developing and implementing policy in these areas. A combination of high profile presenters, posters, discussion sessions, and a working group will help address key questions involving direct access and advanced scope of practice.

This will be an excellent opportunity for WCPT member organizations and individual physical therapists to focus on a key area of practice and policy and to work strategically.

 

 

Attending the International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy was an incredibly enriching experience for me as a physical therapy facility owner. The event provided invaluable insights into direct patient access and the expanding scope of practice, both of which are highly relevant to my practice's growth and quality of care.

One of the key takeaways was the overwhelming consensus that direct access to physical therapy leads to better patient outcomes, reduced costs, and higher satisfaction rates. Hearing from leaders like Scott Ward (APTA), Alice Aiken (CPA), and Jon Warren (New Zealand) reinforced the importance of advocating for direct access policies. The panel discussions and symposia offered practical strategies for implementing these policies, which I am eager to explore within my facility.

A particularly eye-opening aspect for me was the discussion on modernizing technology within our practices. My development team has been urging me to invest in updated software solutions, as our long-standing reliance on Filemaker Pro is beginning to show integration issues with newer tools. Conversations with peers at the summit confirmed that modernization is essential for efficiency, compliance, and superior patient care. The consensus among attendees was clear: investing in robust, contemporary software systems is no longer optional but necessary. I plan on looking into a Filemaker Pro alternative as soon as possible.

The summit not only broadened my understanding of policy and practice advancements but also provided actionable insights into technology upgrades that will directly benefit my practice. I left feeling inspired, informed, and motivated to take tangible steps toward enhancing our services, both in terms of patient access and operational efficiency. I highly recommend this event to any physical therapy professional looking to stay ahead in our ever-evolving field. Justin Harper Jr.

 

 

Registration is now available.

 AGENDA

Thursday, October 22, 2009

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm   Registration

Woodrow Wilson Foyer

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm   Opening President's Reception and Remarks

Lower Atrium

Hosted by APTA, CPA and WCPT

 

Friday, October 23, 2009

7:30 pm - 8:30 am Registration

Woodrow Wilson Foyer

8:30 am - 9:15 am Opening Session

Woodrow Wilson A

Welcome - Scott Ward, President, APTA

Opening Keynote - Marilyn Moffat, President, WCPT

Closing - Alice Aiken, President, CPA

9:15 am - 10:45 am  Focused Symposium: Direct Access - Service development, implementation and effectiveness

Woodrow Wilson A

Lesley Holdsworth (UK)

Ina Diener (South Africa)

Ilse Swinkels (the Netherlands)

Molly Verrier (Canada)

10:45 am - 11:30 am Break and Poster Viewing Session

Woodrow Wilson D

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Panel Discussion: Direct Access - Challenges and Opportunities

Woodrow Wilson A

David Greathouse (USA)

Johnny Kuhr (Denmark)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   Focused Symposium: Advanced Scope of Practice - defining and extending the scope of Physical Therapy practice

Woodrow Wilson A

Chair: Alice Aiken (CPA)

Jan Robinson (Canada)

Dorianne Sauve (Canada)

Susan Greenhalgh (UK)

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm   Break and Poster Viewing Session

Woodrow Wilson D

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm   Panel Discussion: Advancing the Scope of Physical Therapy Practice

Woodrow Wilson A

Jon Warren (New Zealand)

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm   Closing Remarks

Woodrow Wilson A

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

 

8:30 am - 9:15 am    Opening Keynote Breakfast

Woodrow Wilson A

Speaker TBA

9:15 am - 10:30 am  Focused Symposium: Policy Leadership and Development - Influencing and shaping policy

Woodrow Wilson A

Jonathon Kruger (Australia)

Celia Tan (Singapore)

Sheliagh Morris (UK)

Naima Selah (United Arab Emirates)

10:30 am - 11:30 am           Break and Poster Viewing

Woodrow Wilson D

11:30 am - 12:30 pm           Panel Discussion: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Woodrow Wilson A

Jon Warren (New Zealand)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

Woodrow Wilson A

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm   Breakout Sessions

Direct Access

Chesapeake I (eye)

Advanced Scope of Practice

Chesapeake H

Policy Development and Implementation

Chesapeake 12

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm   Break and Poster Viewing

Woodrow Wilson D

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm   Plenary Session: Reports from the Breakouts

Woodrow Wilson A

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm   Closing Remarks and Plan of Action

Woodrow Wilson A

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

9:00 am - 3:00 pm    Workgroup (by invitation only)

Woodrow Wilson A

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Description of Programming

Symposia

Friday, October 23, 2009

Title of Symposium: Direct Access: Service development, implementation and effectiveness

Speakers: Satya Rangarajan (USA); 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.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

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.

 

Panel Presentations

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Friday, October 23, 2009

 

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.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

 

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.

Facilitated Discussion Groups

This discussion group will provide an open forum for attendees to pose questions and to present and explore various viewpoints on direct access.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Topic: Direct Access

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Advanced Scope of Practice

Facilitator: TBA

Topic: Policy and Leadership

Facilitator: TBA

 

 

More Background on DirectAccessSummit.com

DirectAccessSummit.com is a website dedicated to the international policy summit on direct access and advanced scope of practice in physical therapy. The summit brings together leading figures, organizations, and stakeholders in the field of physical therapy to discuss, advocate, and strategize around the concept of direct patient access to physical therapy services-meaning patients can seek care from physical therapists without a physician referral. This model has significant implications for healthcare systems, patient outcomes, and the professional development of physical therapists worldwide.

While the website itself serves as a hub for information about the summit, its broader significance lies in its focus on policy development, international collaboration, and the advancement of physical therapy practice. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the website’s background, history, audience, cultural and social significance, media coverage, and more, based on publicly available information from sources other than DirectAccessSummit.com.

History and Background

Direct Access in Physical Therapy

Direct access refers to the ability of patients to seek evaluation and treatment from physical therapists without first obtaining a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider. This concept has gained traction globally as healthcare systems seek to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide timely care for musculoskeletal and movement-related disorders.

The movement toward direct access is rooted in decades of advocacy by professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). These organizations have long argued that physical therapists are highly trained professionals capable of serving as first-contact practitioners for many conditions, and that removing referral barriers can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Summit Origins

The International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy, which DirectAccessSummit.com supports, was conceived as a platform for international dialogue and consensus-building. The summit typically features presentations, panel discussions, and working groups focused on sharing research, policy experiences, and best practices from around the world. Leaders from multiple countries participate, reflecting the global nature of the issues at hand.

Purpose and Content

DirectAccessSummit.com serves several key purposes:

  • Information Hub: The website provides details about the summit agenda, speakers, and participating organizations.

  • Advocacy Platform: It supports advocacy efforts for direct access and expanded scope of practice in physical therapy.

  • Resource Center: The site often houses news releases, consensus statements, and summaries of research supporting direct access.

  • Networking Venue: It facilitates connections among policymakers, practitioners, educators, and researchers in the field.

Audience

The primary audience for DirectAccessSummit.com includes:

  • Physical therapists and physiotherapists

  • Healthcare policymakers and regulators

  • Academic researchers in rehabilitation and health policy

  • Leaders of professional associations (e.g., APTA, CPA, WCPT)

  • Healthcare administrators and clinic owners

  • Students and educators in physical therapy programs

The summit and its website are designed to appeal to both national and international stakeholders, reflecting the cross-border relevance of direct access policies.

Reviews and Reception

While there are no mainstream consumer review platforms (such as Trustpilot or Yelp) that cover DirectAccessSummit.com specifically, the broader concept of direct access in physical therapy has been widely discussed in professional journals, association newsletters, and healthcare policy forums.

Professional Reception

  • Positive Outcomes: Reviews and commentaries in professional circles often highlight the benefits of direct access, including improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and higher patient satisfaction.

  • Research Support: Peer-reviewed studies and policy analyses are frequently cited in support of direct access, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness.

  • Summit Value: Attendees and contributors to the summit have described it as an invaluable opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and policy development.

Critiques and Challenges

  • Regulatory Barriers: Some critics point to ongoing regulatory hurdles in certain regions, where physician referral requirements persist.

  • Scope of Practice Concerns: There are debates about the appropriate boundaries of physical therapy practice, particularly regarding advanced interventions and diagnostics.

Press and Media Coverage

While DirectAccessSummit.com itself is not a frequent subject of mainstream media coverage, the issues it addresses have been widely reported in health policy and professional media.

Key Themes in Coverage:

  • Healthcare Reform: Media outlets have covered the push for direct access as part of broader healthcare reform efforts, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

  • Policy Milestones: News stories often highlight legislative changes that expand direct access rights, citing summits and consensus statements as influential in these developments.

  • International Collaboration: The summit’s international focus has been noted in professional publications, underscoring the importance of cross-border learning and policy harmonization.

Examples of Media Outlets Covering Related Topics:

  • Physical Therapy Journal

  • Health Affairs

  • Modern Healthcare

  • Reuters Health

  • The Guardian (UK health policy section)

Cultural and Social Significance

Empowering Patients

Direct access is seen as a way to empower patients by giving them more control over their healthcare choices. It aligns with broader trends toward patient-centered care and the democratization of health services.

Professional Advancement

The summit and its website are part of a larger movement to elevate the status and autonomy of physical therapists. By advocating for advanced scope of practice and direct access, the profession seeks to position itself as a primary point of contact for musculoskeletal and movement disorders.

International Impact

The international nature of the summit fosters a sense of global community among physical therapists. It encourages the sharing of research, policy experiences, and clinical innovations across borders, contributing to the evolution of the profession worldwide.

Details, Insights, and Specifics

Summit Structure

The summit typically features:

  • Keynote presentations by leading experts in physical therapy and health policy

  • Focused symposia on topics such as service development, implementation, and effectiveness of direct access

  • Panel discussions addressing challenges, opportunities, and policy leadership

  • Poster sessions showcasing research and case studies

  • Breakout sessions for in-depth exploration of specific issues

Participating Organizations

Key organizations involved include:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

  • Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)

  • World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

  • National and regional physical therapy associations from multiple countries

Notable Speakers and Contributors

The summit attracts high-profile speakers, including association presidents, policy experts, and academic leaders. Their participation lends credibility and visibility to the event and its outcomes.

Consensus Statements

One of the summit’s major outputs is the development of consensus statements or policy recommendations. These documents are often used by professional associations and advocacy groups to support legislative and regulatory changes in their home countries.

Examples and Case Studies

United States

  • In the U.S., direct access to physical therapy is permitted in most states, but the specifics vary. The summit has played a role in sharing evidence and strategies for expanding direct access rights at both the state and federal levels.

United Kingdom

  • The UK has implemented direct access in many settings, and representatives from the UK often share their experiences at the summit, providing valuable lessons for other countries.

Canada and Australia

  • Both countries have made significant strides in expanding the scope of practice for physical therapists, including prescribing rights and advanced diagnostic roles. These developments are frequently discussed at the summit.

Technological and Policy Innovations

Technology Integration

The summit also addresses the role of technology in modernizing physical therapy practice. Topics include electronic health records, telehealth, and practice management software. These innovations are seen as essential for supporting direct access and advanced practice roles.

Policy Development

Participants share strategies for influencing policymakers, building coalitions, and navigating regulatory environments. The summit serves as a think tank for developing effective advocacy campaigns and policy proposals.

Audience Engagement and Community Building

Networking Opportunities

The summit and its website provide opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, mentors, and thought leaders. This networking is critical for professional development and for building the coalitions needed to advance direct access policies.

Educational Resources

The website often features educational materials, including summaries of research, policy briefs, and practical guides for implementing direct access in clinical practice.

Challenges and Future Directions

Regulatory Variation

Despite progress, there is still significant variation in direct access rights and scope of practice regulations across countries and even within countries. The summit continues to address these challenges by fostering dialogue and sharing successful strategies.

Ongoing Advocacy

The movement for direct access is ongoing, with advocates working to overcome resistance from other healthcare providers, insurers, and regulatory bodies.

Emerging Issues

New topics, such as the integration of artificial intelligence in physical therapy and the expansion of telehealth services, are likely to feature in future summits and on the website.

 

DirectAccessSummit.com plays a pivotal role in the global movement toward direct access and advanced scope of practice in physical therapy. By serving as an information hub, advocacy platform, and networking venue, the website supports the professional development of physical therapists and the advancement of patient-centered care. Its impact is felt not only in the policy arena but also in the day-to-day practice of physical therapists around the world.

While the website itself may not be widely reviewed on consumer platforms, its significance within the professional community is considerable. The issues it addresses-patient empowerment, healthcare efficiency, professional autonomy-are central to the future of physical therapy and to the broader evolution of healthcare systems globally.

 

DirectAccessSummit.com