Identifying Competencies for Training: A Case Study on Physiotherapy Course at Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi

Background: Physiotherapists trained in Kenya evolved from masseurs to Kenya Registered Physiotherapists. The rapid developments of paramedical training programs led to training at diploma level in the current Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Physiotherapists should cope with current health challenges by acquiring clinical competencies in order to prevent, manage and provide adequate therapeutic and rehabilitative services for the whole population.

Objectives: To resolve the problem of the study, the following objectives were formulated: To identify competencies physiotherapists acquired during training at the Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi; and to establish competencies to be acquired during training in order to be competent in hospital and community set-up.

Design: Descriptive educational research.

Setting: Physiotherapists in Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Training College, public and private Hospitals in Kenya.

Sampling: A random sample of 30 respondents consisted: physiotherapy graduates, KMTC lecturers, public and private practitioners and administrators from Ministry of Health.

Data Analysis: The competencies identified by the participants from first round were clustered and the second round of questionnaires was derived. From the second round of questionnaires, a consensus of a list of clinical competencies for training was derived.

Results: The response rate was 100%. A consensus was achieved when participants repeatedly identified all the areas of clinical competence to be added into curriculum. The participants rated ‘Very Useful’ on the following areas: research (86.6%), standards in physiotherapy (86.6%), community-based rehabilitation (83.3%), counseling of patients and relatives (80%), emergency and disaster management (80%), communication (80%), medical legal issues and professional ethics (70%).

Conclusion: There is a need to train physiotherapists to be competent in both community and hospital set-ups.

Recommendations: KMTC should identify areas of competences for training health professionals using modified Delphi technique. Courses developed should cope up with current health practices and prepare health professionals to work in both community and hospital set-ups.