National Competency Profile for Clinical Specialization in Mental Health Physiotherapy

The clinical specialization within physiotherapy in Austria has been promoted by the national association in the last years. Following an international consensus, a competency profile was published to characterize the facets of a specialized physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy (PTMH).

 To define the competencies and learning outcomes of a specialized physiotherapist in the field of PTMH in Austria.

A focus group consisting of three members analysed existing competency profiles and discussed specificities from a national and international perspective. Additionally, experts from other fields of physiotherapy and international PTMH experts contributed to the discussion.

 Seven roles were specified, describing the competencies and learning outcomes for a specialized physiotherapist in the field of PTMH in Austria. The role of the expert emerged as central, and was described by following subthemes: (1) the specific frame of PTMH, e.g. special clinical reasoning strategies; (2) relevant models from other fields of knowledge, e.g. psychology and psychotherapy; (3) the therapists themselves, e.g. specific own experience, embodiment and supervision. The other roles were described as the communicator, team worker, manager, health promoter, innovator, and professionist.

 The clinical specialization of PTMH in Austria builds on a wide spectrum of specific competencies and learning outcomes.