ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND MORAL COMPETENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION

Abstract

Ethics and professionalism constitute the bedrock of competent and compassionate physiotherapy practice. This chapter examines the conceptual foundations of ethics and professionalism as applied to physiotherapy education, exploring core ethical principles including beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity. It discusses the ethical situations most frequently encountered by students during clinical placements, the role of institutional curriculum and teaching methodologies in cultivating moral reasoning, and the influence of professional values on ethical attitudes among future practitioners. The chapter also highlights challenges such as the theory-practice gap, ethical violations in clinical settings, and inadequate institutional support. Recommendations for strengthening ethics education through blended learning, case-based pedagogy, and interprofessional approaches are discussed. This chapter serves as a resource for educators, curriculum developers, and healthcare institutions committed to fostering ethical, accountable, and patient-centred physiotherapy professionals.