April 2021
PTAlberta
COVID-19 Pandemic
Update: April 7, 2021
On April 6, 2021, Premier Jason Kenney announced a return to increased public health measures in response to rising daily COVID-19 case numbers, increasing numbers of the virus variants of concern, and growing hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Physiotherapy Alberta has reviewed the updated restrictions and has identified that the changes announced will have limited impact on current physiotherapy service delivery across the many sectors in which physiotherapists provide services.
Physiotherapists are reminded that the requirement that all health services be open by appointment only and be limited to one-on-one services only remain in effect.
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2021 Council Election
Ten members have been nominated for the 2020 Election! Michael Carlos, Jacky Chow, Jason Dyck, Jon Gabbai, Roya Hamad, Dan Matchullis, Denise McDermott, and Melissa Merritt have all put their names forward!

Two candidates will be elected to serve a three-year term joining fellow colleagues Karin Eldred, Grant Fedoruk, Amarjit Mann, and William Tung.
Voting ends April 14, 2021.

Check your email for your unique link to vote.
Council News: March 2021

News from the March 2021 Council Meeting.
Seeking Individuals for an Advisory Committee

Physiotherapy Alberta is currently seeking to recruit individuals to contribute to an Advisory Committee on Discrimination, Oppression and Inequity.
Good Practice: What is The Role of The College?
Physiotherapy Alberta frequently hears from our regulated members, physiotherapists from other jurisdictions, members of the public and other stakeholders with questions regarding our name and role as a dual mandate organization. This Good Practice article will highlight the organization’s history, mandate, strategic partnerships, and upcoming changes to the work that we do. The intent is to address common questions and misconceptions about the role of the organization.
Research in Focus: Using the Keele StarTBack Tool in Physiotherapy Practice
The project was funded by the AHS Research Challenge, a “capacity building program” for frontline clinicians to conduct practice-based research. Our research objectives were to examine the feasibility of implementing a psychosocial screening process for physiotherapy outpatients with low back pain seen in AHS North Zone facilities, and identify barriers and facilitators for broader implementation from physiotherapist perspectives.
DO. LEARN. GROW.
Self-Selected Activity: There's No Time Like the Present

You can complete your chosen activity anytime during the registration year. The Practice Improvement Record is now available in the Member Portal. You may complete the form as soon as you complete your Self-Selected Activity or anytime before you renew your practice permit. 

2021 College-Selected Activity: Under Construction

The College-Selected Activity is paused while it is being built. Members will be notified when it is ready; watch for an announcement this spring.
Continuing Competence Theory: Factors influencing Responsiveness to Feedback
Managers as well as practice and competence program leaders will find this research interesting because it explains, in part, why the same feedback strategy works for some individuals but not for others. Feedback delivery without considering the array of individual interpersonal and contextual factors influencing receptivity is just as likely to thwart rather than facilitate desired changes in performance.
PCE Cancellation: Update March 31
On Thursday, March 25, 2021 the governing Council of Physiotherapy Alberta held an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing unavailability of the Clinical Component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) and potential strategies to address the registration delays registrants on Physiotherapy Alberta’s Provisional Register have experienced as a result.
College Conversations Podcast

Listen to the College Conversations Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Want to get caught up? Listen from the beginning, all episodes are also available in Physiotherapy Alberta's eLearning Center!
Episode 22
Date: March 15, 2021
In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss what professionalism means and the expectations that arise as part of being a member of a self-regulating profession. Click here to listen.

Episode 23
Date: March 23, 2021
In this episode, Jody and Leanne are joined by Joyce Vogelgesang, Deputy Registrar and long-time staff member of Physiotherapy Alberta, to discuss the history of how we came to be both College and Association, some common misconceptions about our history and role, and our primary mandate to serve the public interest. We go on to discuss recent legislative changes that mandate that health profession regulatory organizations may not hold themselves out to be both College and Association and may not fulfill association-type roles as part of their work. Click here to listen.
COPD - Where Are We And Where Are We Going
Date: April 22, 2021
Time: 8:00 a.m.

In this webinar Dr. Dechman will discuss:
  • A brief review of COPD pathophysiology and typical trajectory of the illness.
  • Common treatment approaches which are not supported by evidence.
  • Best practices in management of stable COPD and during an acute exacerbation.
  • Promising treatment approaches for which there is currently limited evidence.

Presenter: Dr. Gail Dechman
Resource Corner
Other info
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is pleased to provide a funded education opportunity for physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) serving rural Alberta communities. This education program will support PTs and OTs develop competency in assessment and treatment interventions for patients where psychosocial risk factors and pain are a significant or key factor in recovery and return to functional activity. Alberta Health Services is administering this opportunity on behalf of RhPAP. Click here for more information.
Physiotherapy Alberta | 780.438.0338 | info@physiotherapyalberta.ca | www.physiotherapyalberta.ca