An essential requirement laid out by the HCPC for physiotherapists to enabled them to register is to have an understanding of the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to the profession (1). I previously completed a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science in which I built and developed my knowledge on the structure and function of the human body; broadening my knowledge within musculoskeletal anatomy, in addition to furthering my understanding of less familiar areas of the human body such as the respiratory and the neurological system in an detailed manner (evidenced Anatomy Certificates, Neuro Anatomy and Pathology and Respiratory Anatomy and Pathology notes – right), where I have been able to consolidate this knowledge  during my neurology viva (evidenced in neuro viva feedback – right) (2). In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to develop and extend my understanding of the scientific bases and the theories underpinning physiotherapy practice; my previous conception of physiotherapy was that it is a very biomedical profession, however, now I have developed a strong understanding of the value of a biopsychosocial approach, education and advice (3). This knowledge has been developed through reading and note take to consolidate my knowledge of theories such as Gifford’s mature organism model which highlights the importance of a patient’s own and societal beliefs of injury and illness through previous experiences (3) and Hales common sense model which takes into consideration how a patient may respond to injury or illness and how they interpret key factors may influence outcomes (evidenced in Theories of Practice Notes – right) (4). This reading and note taking has enabled me to re-think my approach and to consider a mix of biological, physical, clinical and behavioral methods for each individual patient (3). This new found knowledge and understanding to different approaches has allowed me to consider each person as a whole rather than just the condition they present with. This demonstrates my commitment to putting service users at the centre of decision making, which is a requirement of the CSP (5) and adapting practice to meet the needs of different groups and individuals, a pre-requisite of the HCPC for physiotherapy registration (1).

My knowledge of the principles and application of scientific enquiry  (2) developed, this has been evidenced within feedback from my assignment which required me to undertake critical appraisal and synthesise evidence of a topic of my choosing. The topic I elected to appraise was lower limb strengthening on gait in stroke patients (Critical Appraisal Assignment - right), where I received feedback stating “The principles of critical appraisal are effectively applied to synthesise the quality assessment and reporting of findings for a robust critical commentary”, which demonstrates my capability to evaluate the efficacy of interventions and the research process. In regards to working within complex and generally predictable contexts, which require the application of current physiotherapy knowledge, I found my first encounter with complex patients initially challenging and did not feel I had the skills to deal with the complexities of some patients (Complex Situations Feedback – right), However, this skill improved through placing myself in more complex situations, which I believe enabled this skill to develop (Complex Situation Reflection, highlighted in yellow – right) (1,2). The placements I completed allowed me to consider the ethical principles, legal and policy frameworks which underpin and govern physiotherapy practice, my knowledge of this pillar of the CSP framework is evidenced with my Mandatory Training Certificates, in addition to the references made to the CSP and HCPC codes and standards of proficiency throughout this portfolio (1,2).

An aspect of care throughout placement that became apparent was the role of other professions in health and social care (2). This first became a topic of importance when it was introduced  within our interprofessional collaboration module, I have since developed this in practice by spending time with other healthcare professions, such as; complex care of the elderly, rehab centres and district nurses (evidenced in Placement 3: Feedback – right) and being involved within MDT meetings (evidenced in Complex Situation Reflection, highlighted in blue – right). These experiences have allowed me to understand my role much clearer and facilitated me working more effectively within a team to make appropriate referrals when required, enabling me to build and sustain professional relationships, in addition to demonstrating my own identification of my own development needs and taking appropriate action to address these (2,5).

Physiotherapy has allowed me to develop an array of interprofessional skills, the concept of leadership is an aspect in which I believe has been able to grow over the past 2 years (2). This has been evidenced in my Communication and Leadership Reflection Assignment, where I have identified the initial issues of a lack of leadership on productivity and how shared leadership was more effective within our group dynamic than having one traditional leader (highlighted in yellow). This concept of leadership is something I have adopted into my practice when working with others, where I have shared my own ideas and taken a lead on areas and listened to every team member on my team which has enabled us to come to joint conclusions, this was demonstrated during my the successful interview for the job I am starting in September, and this demonstrates leadership appropriate to my role (5).

References

1. Council H and CP. Physiotherapists | The Standards of Proficiency For Physiotherapists [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2020 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/physiotherapists/

2. Physiotherapy CS of. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Framework [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2020 Mar 23]. Available from: http://www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpd/csp-eportfolio/my-eportfolio/cpd-

3. Jones M, Edwards I, Gifford L. Masterclass Conceptual models for implementing biopsychosocial theory in clinical practice.

4. Hale ED, Treharne GJ, Kitas GD. The common-sense model of self-regulation of health and illness: how can we use it to understand and respond to our patients’ needs? Rheumatology (Oxford) [Internet]. 2007 Jun [cited 2020 Mar 31];46(6):904–6. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17449488

5. Charted Society of Physiotherapy. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy xx Professional Values of Members’ Code and Behaviour 2 Code of Members’ Professional Values and Behaviours [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2019 Apr 9]. Available from: https://www.csp.org.uk/system/files/csp_code_of_professional_values_behaviour_full.pdf