The Top 3 Research Breakthroughs of 2023 (that promise to redefine school-based physical therapy)

Harnessing 2023's Research Breakthroughs in School-Based Physical Therapy: Empower Your Practice

Hey fellow School-Based Physical Therapists,

As we navigate through another year, shaping the lives of our students, it's crucial to stay abreast of the latest research and innovations in our field. This past year has brought us remarkable insights that not only challenge our traditional approaches but also open new avenues for enhancing our practice. Let's dive into the top three breakthroughs of 2023 that promise to redefine school-based physical therapy.

1. Understanding the Impact of Professional Development

A pivotal study by Zousmer et al. (2023) shed light on the essence of professional development in our field. It revealed that understanding the unique educational context, overcoming barriers to effective practice, and crafting strategies for professional growth are non-negotiables for enhancing our services. This research isn't just a call to action; it's a roadmap for becoming the indispensable practitioners our educational teams need us to be.

2. Telehealth: A Frontier Worth Exploring

The rapid pivot to telehealth, spurred by the pandemic, has opened our eyes to its potential permanence in our practice. King et al. (2023) explored the nuances of delivering school-based physical therapy via telehealth. Their findings? Telehealth not only boosts communication with families and educators but also fosters more efficient, engaging, and inclusive therapy sessions. It's clear that blending telehealth with traditional methods could be our next best step forward.

3. Investment in Research: Fueling Future Innovations

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research's commitment in 2023 to fund school-based and pediatric physical therapy research is a testament to our field's evolving landscape. This funding is not just a monetary boost; it's a vote of confidence in our ability to innovate and improve the lives of our students through evidence-based practice.

Empowering Your Practice Through Innovation

While these insights are game-changers, knowledge alone won't transform our daily grind. It's about applying what we learn in a way that fits into the complex, fast-paced world of school-based therapy. This is where The Ultimate Guide to School-based Physical Therapy comes into play. Designed with you in mind, it's a toolkit for effortless caseload organization, confident IEP team contributions, and much more. It's not just about surviving another school year; it's about thriving, making a lasting impact, and rediscovering the joy in our work.

Imagine a day where paperwork doesn't loom over you, where your contributions to IEP meetings are met with nods of agreement and appreciation, and where you're part of a vibrant community that uplifts and supports each other. That's the transformation we're talking about.

The Choice is Yours

Don't let another year pass feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. It's time to arm yourself with the latest research and a system that supports your professional growth. Invest in yourself, your career, and the countless lives you touch every day. Remember, the best version of you brings out the best in your students.

Embrace the change. Empower your practice. Let's make this school year the best one yet.

References: 

1. Zousmer, S., Stiller, C., Thompson, K., Wilson, C., & Kondratek, M. (2023). School-Based Physical Therapists' Perceptions about Becoming Effective Practitioners through Professional Development. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 43(5), 611-629. DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2169092.

2. King, N., Wiley, M., Rose, A., & Fergus, A. (2023). Delivery of School-based Physical Therapy via Telehealth: Perceptions and Attitudes of School-based Physical Therapists. Retrieved from Taylor & Francis Online.

3. Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. (2023). Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Announces 2023 Research Grant Funding. Retrieved from Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.