An exploration of Professional Craft Knowledge in contemporary physiotherapy practice

Background:
Physiotherapy professionals need to utilise different types of knowledge in their various roles. Physiotherapy has seen widespread adoption of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), which has been important in the development of the profession. It also means that there has been more focus on propositional knowledge. However, part of the knowledge base that is important to the profession is included in a concept, not related to propositional knowledge, known as professional craft knowledge. This has been defined as ‘knowing what and when, as well as how; i.e. combining academic knowledge, general knowledge acquired from practice experience, and knowledge about the specific patient in their particular context and situation and at this specific time.
This component of knowledge is important for the development of the profession and the delivery of individualised patient care.

Objectives:
1.To scope the evidence on professional craft knowledge
2.To explore the meaning of professional craft knowledge within a physiotherapy context
3.To explore perception about if and how professional craft knowledge could be measured and evaluated
4.To identify what training related to professional craft knowledge currently occurs

Methods:
Four work packages will be undertaken. Firstly, a scoping review, secondly focus groups will explore how professional craft knowledge is understood in a physiotherapy context. Thirdly, a survey identifying what training currently takes place related to professional craft knowledge will be undertaken. Finally, a report and recommendations will be made.

Dissemination:
The results will be disseminated through publications, conference presentations, visual abstracts, infographics and social media.

This research project is funded by the CSPCT