The Physio2Future Model as a guide for responsible physiotherapy of the future in Germany: a Delphi study among German physiotherapists in leadership positions

Background/Aims The challenges of physiotherapy, such as rising therapy costs, affect many countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. German physiotherapy is affected by specific challenges, including a limited scientific culture and no direct access. These challenges, influenced by various sections of physiotherapy, such as management, motivated the development of the Physio2Future Model to overcome them and facilitate responsible physiotherapy based on high-value healthcare. This Delphi study aimed to identify a consensus among physiotherapy centre managers in Germany regarding the responsible practice of physiotherapy within the context of the Physio2Future-Model. Methods Managers of physiotherapy centres were included as experts. The study was conducted in three survey rounds based on DELPHISTAR recommendations and included 45 items (22 original and 23 suggested by experts), which were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The items were assigned to seven domains. The consensus level was defined as 80%. Results A total of 17 experts participated in all three rounds. A consensus was reached on 92% of the 45 proposed items. The highest consensus was achieved in the domains Autonomy (97%), Sustainability (94%) and Evidence (94%), followed by Effectiveness (92%), Human-centeredness (92%) and Relevance (82%). The ‘Suitability of the Physio2Future Model as an orientation for responsible physiotherapy’ item achieved a consensus of 90%. Conclusions From the perspective of managers, the dimensions Autonomy, Sustainability, Evidence, and Human-centeredness of the Physio2Future Model should be considered for responsible physiotherapy in the future. Further consensus studies are needed to comprehensively assess the suitability of the Physio2Future Model as a guide for responsible physiotherapy in the future.