Advancing Sports Physiotherapy Competencies through the SportsComp Project: Insights from Work Package 2 

SportsComp Work Package 2 Final Report has been published. Work Package 2 (WP 2) was led by VUB and implemented 1.9.2023-31.7.2024. It focused on reviewing and updating the existing sports physiotherapy competencies at EQF level 7.

Introduction
This report outlines the findings of a collaborative effort to update the competencies of sports physiotherapists to reflect modern demands. The project aims to align the sports physiotherapy profession with the European Qualifications Framework level 7. These updates are crucial for advancing education and professional standards in sports physiotherapy. The outcomes of WP 2 form the basis for the development of new educational tools, including innovative e-learning courses.

The WP2 report further details the multi-phase research process that was used to update the international competency profile for sports physiotherapists. This included a Delphi study involving experts worldwide, conducted in three rounds to achieve consensus on critical competencies. The WP2 also included a qualitative phase, consisting of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders, such as athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. This qualitative data provided valuable insights into both the technical and interpersonal skills needed in sports physiotherapy. The feedback emphasized the importance of cultural competence, effective communication, and adaptability, alongside core clinical skills like injury assessment and management.

The updated competencies reflect a broad range of essential areas. These include, but are not limited to, injury prevention, rehabilitation, acute care, performance enhancement, ethical practice, and cultural competence. The revised competencies are designed to equip sports physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the evolving challenges in sports and healthcare systems globally.

The work of WP 2 serve as the foundation for three e-learning courses, which are currently being developed in Work Package 3, and will finally be piloted in Work Package 4 to ensure that sports physiotherapists remain at the forefront of best practice.

The SportsComp project (Higher education to improve competency in Sports Physiotherapy) is an Erasmus+ Cooperation partnership project that started 1.9.2023 and will finish on 30.8.2026. The project consortium consists of five organisations: Jamk University of Applied Sciences, University of Tartu, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, University of Thessaly, and the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy.

Project aims to increase the quality of sports physiotherapy education and profession through competence development. Project enhances the excellence of sports physiotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation education, and supports the improvement of the European health care and sports systems. Project is divided into five Work Packages, which focus on the long-term competence development the academia, students, and professionals by updating sports physiotherapy competences for the higher education and physiotherapy organisations.