title: Expert opinion regarding the preparation of entry-level physiotherapists for primary healthcare practice, examined using Biggs 3P's model of teaching learning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The scope of contemporary physiotherapy practice is a critical factor in determining the appropriate educational preparation for physiotherapists now and into the future. The world-wide shift from secondary to primary healthcare has, and is, continuing to result in new and different ways of working. It is crucial that curricular changes reflect these developments. In this study a qualitative approach using Biggs 3P's - Pressage, Process and Product model to discuss curriculum design.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of both national and international physiotherapy educators/practitioners in primary healthcare, on the key elements required in physiotherapy education programmes to prepare future primary healthcare practitioners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Snowball sampling was used to identify experts in education and/or primary healthcare practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide based on the Biggs 3P's model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve participants were recruited from Ireland (n = 2), the UK (n = 4), Canada (n = 3), New Zealand (n = 2) and Australia (n = 1) using snowball sampling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes identified included; understanding the philosophy of physiotherapy practice, cultural competence, inter-disciplinary team working and communication skills. Contextual factors and teaching and learning strategies were discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is an urgent need for physiotherapy education programmes to adopt the concept of primary healthcare as the basis for the physiotherapy curriculum and illuminate key components for consideration.
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Sinead
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.affiliation: b School of Health and Human Performance , Dublin City University , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Grainne
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Donoghue
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Doody
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Geraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cusack
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000592:standards*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011361:Professional Competence; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Education; physiotherapy specialty; primary health care