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Choose the language we should use to describe the four pillars of physiotherapy practice

A survey is underway, to ask CSP members to choose the language suggested most frequently by members who were engaged in a review, to describe the professions' four pillars of practice. 

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The online survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and closes on 12 August (please see our FAQs about the background to this review, its scope and objectives, how members were engaged and the basis of the survey before you complete it).

The four pillars of physiotherapy practice underpin the CSP’s Royal Charter, which celebrates its centenary this year.

As the Royal Charter is a historical document it can not be amended by CSP Council. The practice of the profession has developed a great deal since the Charter was granted and will continue to do so.

As a result, the language which describes the pillars has been reviewed and updated over the past decades, to maintain some continuity whilst also reflecting developments in contemporary practice.

Following a long process of member engagement and consideration of the updated language suggested most frequently by members, we are now asking CSP members to vote on the language to be used to describe the four pillars of physiotherapy practice.

A member-led review

A member-led review of the language used to describe the four pillars has been taking place over the last year.

Between June and December 2019, 31 focus groups were held with members from across the UK who considered to what extent the current language reflected contemporary physiotherapy practice.

In addition, members provided alternative language that they felt better reflected practice today and for the future (please see our FAQs about the survey for more information).

Reflecting the profession as it moves forwards

Now all CSP members are being given the opportunity to contribute to the review and help decide what language should be used to describe the four pillars of physiotherapy practice from now on.

CSP chair of Council Alex MacKenzie said: ‘In our centenary year it seems appropriate that we look at how far the profession has come and look towards the future.

‘This is a great opportunity to reframe the language that we use in relation to the four pillars of practice.

I would encourage all members to participate in the survey, so we can truly reflect how we see our profession moving forward.

Have your say 

A short online survey about changes to the language of the four pillars is now open to all members, and the language that is chosen by the most members will be adopted and used.

The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Please share your views before 12 August, when the survey will close.

This story was updated on 5 August to provide additional information.

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