An evaluation of the impact of a comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for physiotherapists specialising in paediatrics.
5 affiliations
- 1Ivan Boberskyi Lviv State University of Physical Culture, Kostiushka str., 11, Lviv, 79007
- 2ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz, 9, Winterthur, 8400
- 3University Children’s Hospital Zurich – Eleonore Foundation, Mühlebergstrasse, 104, Affoltern am Albis, 8910
- 4University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Lenggstrasse, 30, Zurich, 8008
- 5Khmelnytskyi National University, Instytutska str., 11, Khmelnytskyi, 29016
Abstract
International professional organisations note a steady increase in the demand for paediatric physiotherapy services, emphasising the need to improve the quality of education and training for specialists in this field of rehabilitation. Postgraduate education is becoming increasingly important as a means of developing specialised training for physiotherapists in paediatrics and enhancing the human resource capacity of the rehabilitation system. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme in paediatric physiotherapy on the level of attainment of the intended learning outcomes. This study employed a single-group quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests and an eight-month follow-up. The training involved the implementation of a comprehensive postgraduate training programme for paediatric physiotherapists, and changes in self-assessed learning outcomes were assessed before and after completion of the programme. The impact of the comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for paediatric physiotherapists was assessed in three stages: before the training, after the training, and eight months after completion of the training. The evaluation methodology was based on the Kirkpatrick model. Empirical data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation of the difference, percentage increase) were used to analyse the results. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess statistically significant differences. The study found an increase in the overall level of self-assessment of competences following completion of the programme: the average score rose from 3.59 to 4.30 points. The highest increases were observed in the topics concerning the use of assessment tools for children with ASD (+47.66 per cent), the classification and developmental characteristics of children with ASD (+43.88 per cent), and physiotherapy methods for working with children with ASD (+40.67 per cent). Participants’ satisfaction with the programme was high: the learning environment was rated at an average of 4.89 points, and the organisation of the programme at 4.78 points. A comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for physiotherapists specialising in paediatrics was associated with a statistically significant increase in participants’ self-assessment of their learning outcomes (p<0.05). The fact that these positive changes were maintained eight months later indicates the programme’s potential to support participants’ professional development.
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BibTeX
@article{baran2026evaluation,
title = {{An evaluation of the impact of a comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for physiotherapists specialising in paediatrics.}},
author = {O.A. Baran and F. Messerli and L. Mayer and E. van de Molen and K.A. Tymruk-Skoropad and L.I. Basenko},
journal = {Medičnì Perspektivi},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375376},
url = {https://doi.org/10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375376},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - An evaluation of the impact of a comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for physiotherapists specialising in paediatrics.
AU - O.A. Baran
AU - F. Messerli
AU - L. Mayer
AU - E. van de Molen
AU - K.A. Tymruk-Skoropad
AU - L.I. Basenko
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Medičnì Perspektivi
DO - 10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375376
UR - https://doi.org/10.26641/2307-0404.2026.3.375376
AB - International professional organisations note a steady increase in the demand for paediatric physiotherapy services, emphasising the need to improve the quality of education and training for specialists in this field of rehabilitation. Postgraduate education is becoming increasingly important as a means of developing specialised training for physiotherapists in paediatrics and enhancing the human resource capacity of the rehabilitation system. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme in paediatric physiotherapy on the level of attainment of the intended learning outcomes. This study employed a single-group quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests and an eight-month follow-up. The training involved the implementation of a comprehensive postgraduate training programme for paediatric physiotherapists, and changes in self-assessed learning outcomes were assessed before and after completion of the programme. The impact of the comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for paediatric physiotherapists was assessed in three stages: before the training, after the training, and eight months after completion of the training. The evaluation methodology was based on the Kirkpatrick model. Empirical data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation of the difference, percentage increase) were used to analyse the results. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess statistically significant differences. The study found an increase in the overall level of self-assessment of competences following completion of the programme: the average score rose from 3.59 to 4.30 points. The highest increases were observed in the topics concerning the use of assessment tools for children with ASD (+47.66 per cent), the classification and developmental characteristics of children with ASD (+43.88 per cent), and physiotherapy methods for working with children with ASD (+40.67 per cent). Participants’ satisfaction with the programme was high: the learning environment was rated at an average of 4.89 points, and the organisation of the programme at 4.78 points. A comprehensive, competence-based postgraduate training programme for physiotherapists specialising in paediatrics was associated with a statistically significant increase in participants’ self-assessment of their learning outcomes (p<0.05). The fact that these positive changes were maintained eight months later indicates the programme’s potential to support participants’ professional development.
SN - 2307-0404
SN - 2786-4804
ER -