January 2011 - Physiotherapy teaching tour in Nepal
Members of the NEPTA professional development course group, including teaching staff from Kathmandu University, with Alison Thorpe and Evan Coopes and final year Curtin physiotherapy students.
Curtin School of Physiotherapy staff members Alison Thorpe and Evan Coopes presented a two-day professional development course for Nepalese physiotherapists with the course focusing upon musculoskeletal assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment skills. The course was conducted in collaboration with the Nepal Physiotherapy Association (NEPTA). During the visit Alison met with the teaching team from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, who coordinate the new Bachelor of Physiotherapy program at Dhulikhel Hospital. Most of this team was able to attend the two-day workshop.
Alison and Evan then presented at "Orthocon 2011" - the Nepal Orthopaedic Association annual conference. At this event they were able to present physiotherapy perspectives of the management of musculoskeletal injuries to an audience of Nepalese surgeons who were less familiar with the role of physiotherapy and the abilities of physiotherapists.
During the past 2 years, final year Curtin physiotherapy students have benefited from the opportunity to undertake 4-week clinical placements in Nepal. These placements have proven to highly successful and have been managed and coordinated collaboratively between Curtin University and NEPTA.
The ongoing relationships between Curtin University, Kathmandu University and NEPTA provide a wonderful learning experience in the understanding of physiotherapy, education and management of disability for physiotherapists from both countries.
Alison Thorpe and Evan Coopes with Prayoush Neupane, the scientific coordinator on the NEPTA committee, at the Nepal Orthopaedic Conference
