Canada

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Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point

• In Canada, physical therapists are primary care providers. While patients may access physical therapists directly, physical therapy consultation may be initiated by physicians for hospitalized patients or outpatients (1). In some areas, physiotherapists are part of a primary care team. These teams are composed of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, midwives, dieticians, pharmacists, and mental health/addictions professionals (2). In collaboration with the Canadian Ministry of Health, Primary Care Teams (also known as Family Health Teams) serve to improve patient access, while customizing the team makeup depending on the local community served. "While professional practice is guided by each provider’s regulated scope of practice, it is recognized that the working relationship among the members of the team will also take into account the expertise, preferences and skill set of individual providers. No two teams will function exactly alike. Each, over time, will develop its own character, working relationships and culture" (2).

Therapist Preparation

      Degree/Credentialing

• Canadian PT students earn a Master of Science in Physiotherapy (MScPT) over two years, including approximately 30 weeks of clinical education at a university that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Canadian Physiotherapy Academic Programs (ACCPAP) (3).
• The Canadian health care system also utilizes Physiotherapist Assistants, who are trained at an accredited career college to support the physiotherapist (5). The Physiotherapist Assistant curriculum is composed of three academic semesters, plus a sixteen week practicum.

      Specialization

• Common Canadian specialty practice include areas such as: Acupuncture, Animal Rehabilitation, Cardiorespiratory, Neuroscience, Oncology, paediatrics, Seniors Health, Women's Health (4). Those who plan to serve in an academic or research capacity may pursue a PhD in Rehabilitation Science or Applied Health Science.

Professional Associations

• What are the professional associations associated with Physiotherapy or Physial Therapy in this country?

Information about the Patient Community

• What is the population these PT’s serve?
• What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the population served?

Social/Cultural Influences

• What is the influence of the family on a patient's health status?
• What are the typical patient's living conditions, family dynamics, and cultural back ground?

Delivery of Care

• Is delivery of care provided in a timely manner?
• Special methods? Home health etc
  

Type of Health System

• Is it a national health system with universal access?
  

Payment System

• What methods to patient use to pay for service? (Insurance, bartering etc.)