Physiopedia joined the global occupational therapy community at WFOT 2026

The Physiopedia team recently attended the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress to showcase how digital open-access resources and innovative training models are bridging the gap between rehabilitation disciplines. 

Attending the WFOT Congress last month was an opportunity to work with our broader rehabilitation community and collaborate closely with our occupational therapy (OT) colleagues in Bangkok. Representing the team in person were Angela Patterson, Yara Peterko and Neelum Zehra, who spent the week engaging with delegates and sharing insights.

Angela Patterson delivered two impactful lightning presentations about Physiopedia work in workforce development and clinical education in low-resource settings. In her first session, she discussed the International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT), a set of dynamic tools designed to advance sustainable workforce development. Based on a global needs assessment across 88 countries, the IRETT provides essential guidance for academic programmes, professional regulation and continuing professional development. By aligning these activities with local healthcare models, the toolkit helps stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) build culturally relevant strategies to enhance local rehabilitation capacity.

Angela’s second presentation turned the focus toward practical clinical impact, specifically strengthening the use of assistive technology (AT) for mobility in Uganda. With only 5–15% of people in low-income countries currently having access to the devices they need, the challenge is immense. Angela shared how a hybrid training model, combining online coursework, mentoring, and in-person training, empowers clinicians to work effectively within resource constraints. A key takeaway was that even when specific equipment is unavailable, training professionals to creatively adapt local materials can significantly improve mobility outcomes. You can download Angela’s presentations here: IRETT Presentation and Uganda AT Presentation.

Neelum Zehra and Yara Peterko shared their work to develop an international occupational therapy curriculum in Pakistan with a poster presentation focusing on professional identity and data-driven advocacy. The poster shared how the Academic Program Reflection Tool (APRT) was used with a task force of local educators to create a national curriculum that meets WFOT recommendations while remaining culturally relevant. This initiative ensures that graduates receive consistent, high-quality training, creating a unified standard of practice for a sustainable workforce.

Yara also presented a second poster exploring the collaborative approach taken to establish a scope of practice for occupational therapy in Uganda. Historically, the role of OT in Uganda has been unclear, hindering service delivery and professional recognition. By utilising the Professionalization and Regulation Reflection Tool (PRRT), a task force developed a framework that aligns with national healthcare priorities. This well-defined scope highlights the value of OT to policymakers, reinforcing its role in the healthcare system.

Finally, in her role with the Council of Occupational Therapists for the European Countries (COTEC), Yara co-authored a poster celebrating 25 years of the “Summary of the Profession”. This annual report addresses the global lack of standardised data by tracking workforce trends, education, and regulation across Europe. It serves as a vital resource for evidence-based advocacy, helping professional associations and policymakers plan effective workforce strategies at both national and European levels.

The atmosphere at the congress was one of immense energy and shared purpose, reminding us why our global community of volunteers is so vital. As a UK-registered charity, we are proud to manage a platform that is free all over the globe, ensuring that every clinician has access to trustworthy information. We are immensely proud of the work of our Physiopedia team, and we look forward to continuing these interprofessional dialogues to ensure that Physiopedia remains an inclusive resource for the entire rehabilitation team.

The Physiopedia team’s presence at WFOT 2026 successfully highlighted how integrated training toolkits and creative problem-solving can overcome barriers to rehabilitation in resource-limited settings. By sharing these community-led innovations and professional standards, we continue to empower healthcare professionals worldwide to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary care.