Unique training programme in physical therapy in Belgium

In 2023, we expanded the Magnus training curriculum beyond the already existing annual training budget. This stemmed from the idea of Magnus physiotherapists to bring external knowledge in house for the entire team, share internal knowledge better and create time to delve into specific pathologies. Initially, the focus is on common pathologies because coordination between colleagues improves quality. What started as a brainstorm now grows into accredited training courses that are divided into three categories:

  1. Training by external or internal experts
  2. Pathology-driven development of care pathways in physical therapy
  3. Refresher crash courses

We delve into this a little deeper in the article below.

1. Training by internal or external experts

In this session, we aim to spread internal expertise within the team or bring in external training if there is a clear need within our patient population. By sharing knowledge internally, our physiotherapists know better which colleague to contact for certain complaints. If a rehabilitation does not go according to plan, it helps to quickly coordinate with the right colleague and possibly follow up the patient together. This minimises ineffective treatments.

Which training courses already took place in 2023?

 

  • Relaxation in physical therapy - Leuven and Antwerp (External lecturer: Philippe Minguet)
  • Standardisation of muscle force measurement with Hand Held Dynamometry (HHD) (Internal expert: Robrecht Bex)
  • Temporomandibular disorders - Magnus Antwerp (Internal expert: Julia van Peer)

2. Pathology-driven development of care pathways in physical therapy

During these sessions, we develop care pathways based on most recent evidence and clinical expertise. It includes theory and practice. The practical approach makes this an extremely instructive track where colleagues can share their expertise and experiences and put them into practice. Unlike classic sessions, here we place the physiotherapist and the clinical picture at the centre. Because of the participatory format, we go beyond knowledge generation but also learn practical, manual skills and the importance of interpersonal behaviour between colleagues and with patients, in short, competence-driven!

Developing competences is what it is all about at Magnus classes

These Magnus classes are based on models to maximise professionalism among healthcare providers. According to the WHO, this is one of the crucial pillars for achieving better healthcare outcomes (World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe, 2022).

Here to stay

The first care pathway we chose was in full development and a common complaint: tibial gangrene.
We organised 4 session with an experienced facilitator in problem-driven education in which each session covered in theme

  • Session 1. Definition of tibial meningitis, differential diagnosis and anamnesis protocol
  • Session 2. Active and passive examination of tibial meningitis: theory and practice
  • Session 3. Manual examination and treatment techniques of tibial tendinitis: theory and practice
  • Session 4. Treatment protocols and tibial tendinitis: sport-specific approach, instructional techniques and management

Finally, we also provide refresher crash courses in pathologies by trainees around a well-defined pathology. The trainee can delve into a well-defined pathology and explain the state of the art to us.

 

3. Refresher pathology crash courses 2023

The following sessions have already taken place in 2023

  • Inversion trauma
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Conservative treatment of ACL rupture
  • Achilles tendinopathy

Which training sessions are still scheduled in the 2nd part of 2023?

  • Introduction to the Mulligan concept: clinical application and standardised working
  • Development of an evidence-based care pathway for nonspecific shoulder pain
  • Blood pressure measurement in and impact on rehabilitation in physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation after total muscle tear: evidence-based practice in 2023
  • Hip and groin pain in athletes: diagnostics
  • Sacroiliac and visceral complaints: overlap and differential diagnosis

We are already looking forward to the programme.
As a healthcare provider, are you also interested in participating? Feel free to let us know.

References

World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2022). Roadmap to professionalizing the public health workforce in the European Region. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/351526