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TAMK International

Promoting Collaboration and Advancing Knowledge in Physiotherapy Education – ENPHE Forum 2025

— simo.vainionpaa@tuni.fi

The European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE) continues to serve as a vital platform for physiotherapy educators, students, and institutions across Europe. This year’s annual ENPHE Forum was hosted by Lunex University of Applied Sciences in Luxembourg, bringing together 260 participants from 27 countries. The three-day event offered an inspiring and forward-looking programme under the theme: “The Future of Physiotherapy Education: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

A Forum for Connection and Innovation

The ENPHE Forum is more than just a conference—it’s a space for collaboration, networking, and the dissemination of impactful projects that shape the future of physiotherapy education. The programme included a dedicated Student Day, ENPHE Board Meetings, and a Pre-Forum Course on Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy, alongside keynote sessions, academic poster presentations, and workshops.

One of the highlights was the keynote presentation titled “Curriculum as a Means: Making the Move to Competence-Based Education (CBE)”, which reinforced the importance of curriculum development and confirmed that many institutions are on the right path toward modern, student-centered learning.

 

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy Education sparked engaging discussions on how AI can be integrated into physiotherapy studies. The consensus was clear: AI is here to stay, and educators must guide students in using it ethically and effectively to support learning. The challenge lies in understanding how to use AI in different educational and clinical contexts.

 

TAMK’s Contribution: The PROMINENCE Project

TAMK’s physiotherapy programme took part in the Forum through its involvement in the PROMINENCE Project—an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at enhancing obesity education in physiotherapy. The project was showcased with two posters: one offering a general overview of the project, and the other presenting findings from the PROMINENCE Higher Education Institutions Survey, which explores current obesity-related content in entry-level physiotherapy curricula.

The project was also presented by workshop with 25 participants with a brief introduction to the PROMINENCE Project and then focused on presenting a draft of the PROMINENCE Obesity Competency Framework for Physiotherapists. The topic sparked considerable interest and provided a valuable platform for sharing project insights and gathering feedback from a European audience. Input from educators during the Forum will be instrumental in refining and finalising the framework.

 

Looking Ahead

The ENPHE Forum 2025 was a testament to the power of international collaboration in higher education. It offered a rich environment for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovation, and strengthening the community of physiotherapy educators and students. Events like this are essential for promoting good practice and advancing knowledge in our field.

We look forward to continuing this journey together—towards a future where physiotherapy education is inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

 

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Written by: Tiina Pystynen, Senior Lecturer of Physiotherapy, Tampere University of Applied Sciences

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