Research presented at the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 by the Physiopedia team outlined how the Academic Program Reflection Tool (APRT) is transforming entry-level education across multiple countries and highlighting successful implementation of the tool across diverse healthcare contexts in Pakistan, Uganda and Ukraine.
The Academic Program Reflection Tool (APRT), developed as part of the International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT), is a valuable resource for universities seeking to evaluate and enhance their academic programmes. Research presented by the Physiopedia team at the World Physiotherapy Conference in May 2025 revealed how this innovative framework is being successfully implemented across diverse healthcare contexts, from conflict-affected regions to developing healthcare systems.
Strengthening Ukra
inian Entry Level Physical Therapy Education: Reflections Across Four Universities
The first poster presentation shared how the APRT was piloted in four Ukrainian universities, who combined it with online educational resources from Physiopedia Plus to strengthen entry level physiotherapy programmes. The APRT was used to develop specific, actionable steps to enhance the quality of physical therapy education in line with World Physiotherapy education standards. Recommendations included enhancing program philosophy, curriculum, admissions processes, and faculty development.
Through using these tools the universities maintained and enhanced their physiotherapy education despite unprecedented challenges, demonstrating how systematic evaluation and international collaboration can help institutions not only survive but thrive in difficult circumstances.
This platform gave us the opportunity to hear each other, to hear that you are not alone with your problems – Dr Vira Rokoshevska
The Ukrainian experience demonstrates the power of determination and international support. Despite facing extraordinary obstacles, these institutions have shown that with the right tools and collaborative partnerships, educational programmes can emerge stronger and more resilient, better equipped to prepare future physiotherapists for complex healthcare environments.
Strengthening entry-level rehabilitation education: The development and implementation of the Academic Program Reflection Tool
The second poster presentation described the ongoing development of the APRT and its implementation in Uganda, Pakistan and Ukraine. A total of 25 education programs at 9 universities have been strengthened for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Almost 2 years of close and systematic cooperation with experts allowed us to analyse the educational program for the Master’s degree in Physical Therapy step by step and improve knowledge of modern approaches using the APRT – Dr Kateryna Tymruk-Skoropad
The implementation of the APRT in these countries demonstrates the utility and versatility of the tool to guide programmatic improvement and development. This presentation provided an understanding of the APRT for stakeholders for rehabilitation education, such that they could assess if the tool may benefit the educational programmes that they serve.
For physiotherapy educators globally, this research offers valuable insights into systematic programme enhancement. The APRT provides a structured pathway for institutions seeking to evaluate and improve their educational offerings, while the international implementation demonstrates the benefits of global cooperation in rehabilitation education.
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