COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION AND HUMAN-CENTRED LEARNING IN CONTEMPORARY PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION

Abstract

Contemporary physiotherapy education increasingly emphasizes patient-centered care, community engagement, and social accountability. Two key approaches supporting these goals are Human-Centered Learning (HCL) and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). HCL promotes experiential learning, reflection, empathy, and active student participation, enabling learners to develop a deeper understanding of patients' needs through real-world experiences. In contrast, CBR focuses on community participation and empowerment, aiming to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities by fostering collaboration among individuals, families, communities, and healthcare professionals. This section examines the principles, implementation, and practical applications of HCL and CBR within physiotherapy education. Particular attention is given to community placements, home-based rehabilitation, and rural outreach programs. Through engagement with diverse communities, students develop essential competencies, including clinical reasoning, communication, cultural sensitivity, leadership, and ethical decision-making. The integration of HCL and CBR offers both educational and social benefits, despite implementation challenges. By linking classroom knowledge with community practice, these approaches help future physiotherapists become skilled, compassionate, and socially responsible professionals capable of delivering equitable and contextually relevant rehabilitation services.