The world of healthcare is rapidly evolving, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy is no exception. As patient expectations and the understanding of patient-centered care have evolved, there is an increasing recognition that the practice of physiotherapy must adapt in line with this (1,2). This symposium aims to address the crucial shift towards patient-centered care and the transformation of curriculum in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy (3,4). 1.Understanding Patient-Centered Care. Patient-centered care is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental shift in healthcare that acknowledges the unique needs and preferences of each patient (5). In musculoskeletal physiotherapy, where precision and empathy converge, the realization that patient-centered care is imperative rather than a preference has become increasingly apparent (1,3). Through lectures, panel discussions and interactive participation tools, attendees will gain insights into the core principles of patient-centered care and its significance in improving patient outcomes. 2.Strategies for Effective Curriculum Implementation. This symposium also focuses on equipping educators of future physiotherapists to teach the skillset and mindset to understand and help manage the unique needs of their patients effectively. This paradigm shift necessitates a transformation in the way physiotherapy is taught and practiced. Attendees will explore innovative pedagogical approaches that foster empathy and active listening among students. They will gain knowledge on how to integrate patient narratives and experiences into the learning process, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of the patient's perspective and needs. 3.Innovative Integration of Patient-Centered Principles:The third learning outcome of this symposium addresses this challenge head-on by exploring innovative strategies for seamlessly integrating patient-centered principles into an OMT curriculum (6). Participants will have the opportunity to delve into practical examples from two different curricula, interview with students, and discussions that showcase practical approaches to achieving this balance.They will gain actionable insights into how to adapt OMT techniques to align with patient-centered care principles, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, embracing patient-centered care and adapting curriculum accordingly, is essential to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care and support in their journey to musculoskeletal health. By addressing these three key learning outcomes, this symposium hope to empower physiotherapists and educators to not only recognize the imperative nature of patient-centered care but also take concrete steps towards transforming the way musculoskeletal physiotherapy is taught and practiced.

References: (1) Lin et al. What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Jan;54(2):79-86. (2) IASP. Physical therapy pain curriculum. https://www.iasppain.org/education/curricula/iasp-curriculum-outline-on-pain-for-physical-therapy. 3) Killingback C et al (2022) Teaching person-centred practice in physiotherapy curricula: a literature review, Physical Therapy Reviews, 27:1, 40-50. (4) Wallengren C et al. Person-centered care content in medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, and physiotherapy education programs. BMC Med Educ. 2022 Jun 24;22(1):492. 5) Hutting N et al. Person-centered care for musculoskeletal pain: Putting principles into practice. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2022 Dec; 62. (6) Keter D et al. Modernizing patient-centered manual therapy: Findings from a Delphi study on orthopaedic manual therapy application. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2023 Jun; 65:102777