Changes in physiotherapy research, education and professional development in New Zealand

This paper discusses the growth of physiotherapy research and professional development in New Zealand over the past 20 years. The professional association's role in facilitating changes in education and research over this time is discussed, together with the introduction of government policy to drive up research outputs. Demand for evidence-based practice from the profession's point of view and the influence of health funding authorities on evidence-based practice are considered. Reflection on various impacts of professional and political drivers on the direction of the profession provides a basis for consideration of national and global physiotherapy development trends.