1. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
Introduction :
WCPT is a non-profit organization and is registered as a charity in the UK. It has
been in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1952,
collaborating on work programmes to improve world health. World Confederation
for Physical Therapy ( WCPT ) is the sole international voice for physical therapy ,
representing more than 450,000 physical therapists worldwide through its 110
member
WCPT is committed to furthering the physical therapy professionand improving
global health . It believes every individual is entitled to the highest possible
standard of culturally appropriate healthcare, delivered in an atmosphere of trust
and respectfor human dignity, and underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and
scientific evidence.
Founded : 1951
Type : Non-Governmental Organizations
Members : 110 Member organizations
President : Emma Stokes
CEO : Jonathon Kruger
It works with a wide range of other international bodies and is a member of the
World Health Professions Alliance .
2. History and growth :
In 1951 the WCPT had 11 founding member organizations from Australia, Canada,
Denmark, Finland , Great Britain , New Zealand, Norway, South Africa , West
Germany , Sweden and the United States of America .
The first international congress and second General Meeting were held in London
in 1953, where the first Executive Committee was elected.
WCPT has developed statements, including
Education Guidelines , to supportthe development of the profession. It has
developed a structure of five regions, and close relationships with international
independent organizations of physical therapists with specific interests – 12 of
which are now recognized as WCPT subgroups.
WCPT CONGRESS
WCPT holds a congress every two years, where the world of physical therapy
meets, and it has held 18 world congresses since its establishment.
The WCPT Congress is the largest international gathering of physical therapists,
bringing together clinicians, educators, researchers, managers and policy makers.
The next congress will be in May 2019 in Geneva , Switzerland .
3. Previous Congresses
2019 Geneva , Swiss - ( Congress proceedings )
2017 Cape Town , South Africa – ( Congress proceedings )
2015 Singapore – ( Congress proceedings )
2011 Amsterdam , Netherlands – ( Congress proceedings )
2007 Vancouver , Canada – ( Congress proceedings )
2003 Barcelona , Spain – ( Congress proceedings )
1999 Yokohama , Japan
1995 Washington DC , United States
1991 London , UK
1987 Sydney , Australia
1982 Stockholm , Sweden
1978 Tel Aviv, Israel
1974 Montreal , Canada
1970 Amsterdam , Netherlands
1967 Melbourne , Australia
1956 New York City, United States
1953 London , UK
4. Vision and mission
WCPT's vision is to move physical therapy forward so the profession is recognized
globally for its significant role in improving health and wellbeing.
As the international voice of physical therapy WCPT'smission is to:
unite the profession internationally
represent physical therapy and physical therapists internationally
promote high standards of physical therapy practice, education and research
facilitate communication and information exchange among member
organizations, regions, subgroups and their members
collaborate with national and international organizations contribute to the
improvement of global health.
Activity
WCPT provides services to its member organizations, campaigns to improve world
health, and produces policies and guidelines. It encourages high standards of
physical therapy and global health by facilitating the exchange of information and
producing resources. All its activities are shaped and informed by research.
WCPT’swebsite is the hub of its information sharing activity.
