A core syllabus for post-graduate training in respiratory physiotherapy

Abstract

Physiotherapy contributes significantly to improving quality of life for patients with respiratory disease. Physiotherapists specialised in dealing with respiratory pathology and its associated problems are not only central in the delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation but also provide strategies and techniques for exercise testing, airway clearance, breathlessness management, mobility and function improvement and pain management. Published evidence-based recommendations have paved the way for standardised practice while also unravelling the extended scope of responsibilities of the respiratory physiotherapist. The breakdown of traditional roles and allocation of new responsibilities is not confined to the respiratory physiotherapist within healthcare systems. Team-based healthcare and interprofessional treatment of patients is prevalent in the provision of care across the globe. New methods of healthcare delivery indicate that tasks are entrusted to those deemed competent to perform them. It has therefore been necessary to train allied health professionals to take over parts of clinical care.