title: Enhanced Patient-Centred Care: Physiotherapists' Perspectives on the Impact of International Clinical Internships on Canadian Practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the perspectives of physiotherapists who participated in an international clinical internship (ICI) in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) during their physiotherapy (PT) training in a Canadian PT programme regarding the ICI's impact on their PT practice in Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative descriptive study used in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were organized using NVivo; inductive and deductive coding were used to analyze data and develop broader themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 13 practising Canadian physiotherapists interviewed described three enhanced capacities: (1) critical reflection on culture, values and practice; (2) communication skills; and (3) creativity and resourcefulness. These capacities were perceived to transfer to Canadian practice by enhancing participants' ability to deliver patient-centred care, specifically through an enhanced understanding of patients' values and social determinants of health, regardless of the Canadian setting or patient population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For PT students considering an ICI, the study findings provide insight into the perceived impact of ICIs on Canadian practice. For PT academic programmes, the findings can guide decisions on the extent of investment in ICIs as learning opportunities that will enhance practice in Canada.
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Giulia
authors: G
authors: Mesaroli
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Anne-Marie
authors: AM
authors: Bourgeois
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: McCurry
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Allison
authors: A
authors: Condren
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Petropanagos
authors: Global Health Division, Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Ottawa.
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Fraser
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto.
authors: Stephanie A
authors: SA
authors: Nixon
keywords: culturally competent care; global health; internship and residency; patient-centred care