Ireland
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Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point
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In general, if you wish to access physiotherapy services as a public patient, you need a referral from your family doctor (GP), public health nurse or hospital. You can also refer yourself to a community physiotherapist.
You will have to pay for physiotherapy services if you attend a physiotherapist in a private capacity however, you may be able to claim tax relief for medical expenses incurred by you whether you, your spouse, your dependent child or a dependent relative attend a physiotherapist privately.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
There is direct access to physiotherapy in Ireland. The physiotherapy services are determined by the profession and the physiotherapist determines the clinical intervention of physiotherapy him/herself. Physiotherapy is available both public and private physiotherapy centres.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
In the Republic of Ireland the titles of physiotherapist and physical therapist cannot be used interchangeably because a group calling themselves ‘physical therapists’ are not physical therapists/physiotherapists as defined by WCPT. These physical therapists are not eligible for membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and are not permitted to work in the National Public Health Service in the Republic of Ireland.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Therapist Preparation[edit | edit source]
Degree/Credentialing[edit | edit source]
Education matters are the responsibility of the Irish Society's Standing committee of Education Committee and specialist working parties all of whom report to the Council of the Irish Society which is the decision making body. Additionally it has an Accreditation committee which evaluates the educational programmes and ensures that they meet the standards set by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. Physiotherapy education in Ireland is a four-year honours degree course. All graduates have access to Masters Degrees and Doctorates.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Also contact the Schools of Physiotherapy for their student information booklet which gives full details of entry requirements:
University College Dublin
School of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
National University of Ireland
Admissions Office, Belfield, Dublin 4
Phone: (01) 269 3244 Fax: (01) 269 4409
http://www.ucd.ie/
Trinity College Dublin
School of Physiotherapy
B.Sc. (Hons) Physiotherapy
Admissions Office, Trinity College, Dublin 2
Phone (01) 608 1532
http://www.tcd.ie/
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Department of Physiotherapy
B.Sc. (Physiotherapy)
Admissions Office, RCSI, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Phone (01) 402 2156
http://www.rcsi.ie/
University of Limerick
Department of Physiotherapy
School of Health Sciences
College of Science
University of Limerick, Limerick
Phone (061) 234232
http://www.physiotherapy.ul.ie/
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Specialization
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Physiotherapists can gain advanced knowledge by applying to special training organized by ISCP (The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists) or by applying to Postgraduate Diploma training organized by universitie.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive titleCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Professional Associations[edit | edit source]
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is the professional body representing over 3000 members in Ireland. The Society was founded in 1983 following a number of developments in the profession including the establishment of a university degree qualification. Over the years there has been an increasing public demand for the services of the Chartered Physiotherapist and it is the role of the Society to ensure that this demand is met by the highest standards of care.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Information about the Patient Community[edit | edit source]
- What is the population these PT’s serve?
- What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the population served?
Social/Cultural Influences[edit | edit source]
- What is the influence of the family on a patient's health status?
- What are the typical patient's living conditions, family dynamics, and cultural back ground?
Delivery of Care[edit | edit source]
- Is delivery of care provided in a timely manner?
- Special methods? Home health etc
Type of Health System[edit | edit source]
- Is it a national health system with universal access?
Payment System[edit | edit source]
- What methods to patient use to pay for service? (Insurance, bartering etc.)
