# Teaching evidence-based physiotherapy through European cooperation – experiences from the BIP week

> This article describes the BIP course Evidence-based Physiotherapy from the teachers’ perspective.

## Introduction to the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Evidence-based Physiotherapy was held in Prague for the second time, following its inaugural session at Savonia-UAS last year. This initiative is a collaboration between five universities:
*   Charles University, Czech Republic
*   Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Finland
*   University of A Coruña, Spain
*   Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain
*   CEERRF, France

The program operates under the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE) research group, aiming to co-develop teaching methods and pilot new ideas in evidence-based practice.

## The Importance of Evidence-Based Physiotherapy (EBP)
Evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) integrates clinical expertise with the best available research evidence and patient values. It is essential for modern healthcare because it:
*   Ensures interventions are effective, safe, and tailored to individual needs.
*   Enhances treatment outcomes and patient recovery rates.
*   Fosters continuous professional development.
*   Promotes efficient healthcare systems by optimizing resource utilization.

According to the World Physiotherapy Education Framework (2021), EBP is a core competency. Physiotherapists are expected to possess skills in research methodology, biostatistics, literature searching, and the critical evaluation of data.

## Course Structure and Implementation
The BIP is a short-term course combining virtual and in-person learning. This year, 43 students participated. The process included:
1.  **Virtual Phase:** Introductory lectures, student introductions, and a preliminary assignment.
2.  **In-Person Week (Prague):** An active, participative week featuring:
    *   A welcome address by ENPHE President Patricia Almeida.
    *   Presentations by students regarding their home countries and universities.
    *   Expert-led sessions on EBP fundamentals and clinical applications.
    *   Group work where students formulated research questions, conducted "mini" reviews, and assessed evidence quality.

## Benefits for Students and Educators
Completing the program allowed students to deepen their professional knowledge, improve communication and teamwork skills, and gain insights into the practical application of theoretical EBP concepts. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of international networking and the enrichment provided by diverse cultural perspectives.

From a teacher’s perspective, the program facilitates the globalization of education, helping to universalize curricula and align educational standards across European institutions.

## Why EBP is Central to Physiotherapy Education
The program focused on EBP to address five key areas of professional development:
1.  **Critical Thinking and Decision-Making:** Evaluating scientific studies for clinical application.
2.  **Personalized Patient Care:** Selecting methods based on unique patient needs.
3.  **Sustainability and Efficiency:** Eliminating outdated practices to reduce costs and improve resource use.
4.  **Preparation for a Dynamic Profession:** Staying current with rapidly evolving research.
5.  **Enhanced Credibility and Professionalism:** Building trust with patients and colleagues through scientifically grounded practice.

## Authors
*   **Marja Äijö**, PT, PhD, Principal Lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Dagmar Pavlu**, Physiotherapist, Assoc. Prof., Charles University, Czech Republic
*   **Ivana Vláčilová**, Physiotherapist, PhD., Charles University, Czech Republic
*   **Zeltia Naia**, PhD, MSc, PT, Professor, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
*   **Adrien Pallot**, PT, MSc, Lecturer at CEERRF, France

## References
*   The European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE). 2024. [https://www.enphe.org/en/about](https://www.enphe.org/en/about)
*   Statement on Physiotherapy. Education of the Europe region. Education Matters Working Group (EMWG). 2022. [Link to PDF](https://www.erwcpt.eu/_files/ugd/3e47dc_2d5255d064874c8493f2619fbbee427c.pdf)
*   Veras M, Kairy D, Paquet N. 2016. What Is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy? Physiother Can 68(2):95–96. doi: 10.3138/ptc.68.2.GEE
*   World Physiotherapy. 2021. Physiotherapist education framework. London, UK: World Physiotherapy; ISBN: 978-1-914952-01-2
*   World Physiotherapy. 2023. Policy statement: Evidence-based practice. [https://world.physio/policy/ps-ebp](https://world.physio/policy/ps-ebp)