Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 1160-1171.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.10.006

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Occupational classification and core competencies of rehabilitation-therapy professionals

XIAO Dunwu1,2, WANG Yubo2, LI Chen1,2, JI Yufei1,2, LIAO Limin1,2,3()   

  1. 1. China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    2. Capital Medical University School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing 100068, China
    3. Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2024-07-12 Revised:2024-08-13 Published:2024-10-25 Online:2024-11-08
  • Contact: LIAO Limin, E-mail: lmliao@263.net
  • Supported by:
    Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2024CZ-21)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the international occupational classification of rehabilitation-therapy professionals, and analyze the core competencies, to improve the occupational system of rehabilitation-therapy professionals in China.

Methods According to Standard Country or Area Codes for Statistical Use that prepared by the Statistics Division of the United Nations and Human Development Index of each country or area, the occupational classification of rehabilitation-therapy professionals in the International Labour Organization (ILO) and 17 typical countries or areas was compared, and rehabilitation competency framework (RCF) was used to analyze the core competencies.

Results The occupational classification or similar documents of ILO and 15 countries or areas were obtained. Except China categorizing rehabilitation-therapy professionals as technicians, all the documents set detailed occupations of rehabilitation-therapy professionals such as physical therapist and speech therapist as formal full-time occupation; and ILO and 14 countries or areas defined these detailed occupations as professional occupation. The core competencies of technicians only involved a very small number of competencies and activities in RCF, while the core competencies of detailed occupations of rehabilitation-therapy professionals covered the vast majority of competencies and activities in RCF. There were differences in RCF competencies and activities involved in the core competencies of detailed occupations of rehabilitation-therapy professionals.

Conclusion The core competencies are different between rehabilitation-therapy professionals and technicians, and among different detailed occupations of rehabilitation-therapy professionals. It is important for China to establish the detailed occupations of rehabilitation-therapy professionals as formal full-time occupation. The education related to therapy and rehabilitation in China is gradually aligning with international standards, legislation on occupational qualification admission for rehabilitation-therapy professionals should be carried out, and make the rehabilitation-therapy professionals to be professional occupation.

Key words: rehabilitation-therapy professionals, occupational classification, competency, professional occupation

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