Who gets to be a Physiotherapist? Negotiating Participation in Physiotherapy Education

Widening participation and reducing differential attainment in Pre-registration Physiotherapy is a short animation-based learning programme designed to promote more inclusive and equitable physiotherapy education. Through storytelling and lived experience narratives, the animations help educators understand how personal identity, beliefs, life experiences, and individual circumstances can influence a learner’s experience of peer physical examinations (PPE) and practical assessments. The programme highlights the hidden cognitive and emotional load some learners experience and encourages inclusive approaches that support participation, dignity, and learning for all.

Intended audience
This programme is for educators involved in delivering practical learning experiences, including:
• Physiotherapy educators in higher education institutions
• Practice educators and clinical educators
• Academic staff involved in healthcare education
• Placement supervisors and assessors
• Allied health profession education leads and faculty staff

Key areas covered
The animations introduce:
• How identity and lived experience can influence participation in practical learning activities
• The impact of hidden cognitive and emotional load on learning and performance
• Common barriers experienced by learners during peer physical examinations and assessments
• Strategies that support inclusion, dignity, psychological safety, and learner choice
• The role of educators and peers in creating supportive and equitable learning environments
• Practical approaches such as allyship, environmental adaptations, and self-advocacy

Learning objectives
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
• Recognise how personal identity and lived experience can affect engagement in practical learning activities
• Describe the impact of cognitive and emotional load on learner participation and attainment
• Reflect on current educational practices and identify opportunities to improve inclusion
• Apply strategies that promote dignity, choice, and psychological safety within practical teaching sessions
• Support the creation of learning environments where all learners feel seen, heard, respected, and able to succeed

Questions about this event?

Name: laura smith

Email: laura.smith377@nhs.net

Telephone: 02030200248