Physiotherapists in occupational health — the Australian experience

Abstract

Occupational health physiotherapy (OHP) as a distinct discipline has been practised in Australia since the 1970s. In 1984, a national special interest group was formed within the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) to provide professional support and education for the growing numbers of physiotherapists in the field. In its latest form the group has nearly 300 members with chapters in each of the six states and in one of two territories. Since 1999, the APA has facilitated the development of a structured tiered career pathway for its members in all the special interest groups. To date, a number of OHP members have successfully completed the recognition process for advanced standing in the field of OHP and become either Titled or Specialist. It is planned to increase the numbers of physiotherapists working at advanced practitioner levels in workplace health and safety and continue to have OHP representatives on peak national health and safety groups and key bodies in the workers' rehabilitation and compensation field. The way forward for the special interest group lies in furthering educational opportunities for group members, and improving knowledge of other stakeholders including the physiotherapy profession about the skills group members have. Opportunities for networking and sharing resources via an international subgroup may be a reality in the near future.

Keywords:

• Career path
• Education
• Occupational health physiotherapy
• Specialization