Current issues of accountability in physiotherapy and higher education: Implications for physiotherapy educators

摘要

Despite the ongoing trend towards professionalisation of occupations, those already regarded as such have been experiencing widespread scrutiny and criticism. The main area of concern relates to perceived lack of public accountability which, it is argued, has led to abuse of professional status, autonomy and power, to the detriment of society. Professions in the public sector, including physiotherapy and higher education, have increasingly been required to fulfil often externally imposed accountability requirements. As members of both professions, physiotherapy educators have two sets of such requirements to meet. This situation could make the expectations seem daunting and possibly unachievable in light of educators' high workloads. However, these demands, although challenging, are largely complementary and physiotherapy educators are in a position to make a valuable contribution to the development of both professions.