Leadership Competencies for Physical Therapist Practice: A Continuum from DPT to Residencies and Beyond
Developing leadership skills within all levels of health professional education has gained considerable attention in academic and clinical communities over the past decade. Demonstration of leadership skills improves patient safety, quality of care, and patient experiences. The physical therapy profession lacks explicit leadership competencies from entry-level DPT to residency training. This absence of explicit leadership competencies exists despite Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education having a mention of leadership and the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education recently identifying leadership within the professionalism core competency of a residency graduate. Without specific criteria or competencies, it is questionable whether current education in leadership skill development is of an appropriate level to prepare DPT graduates or residents to lead practice and address the challenges of the triple aim. ÊIn this session, presenters will share evidence-based research that details leadership competencies essential for physical therapists. These will be used as a foundation to demonstrate a necessary progression of leadership skills through residency education. This session also will offer examples of how the leadership competencies can be observed and assessed through entrustable professional activities. Attendees will discuss collaborative options for a seamless progression of leadership competency development from DPT through residency and beyond.