Methods

This discussion document was developed through a multi-phase process that engaged the international physiotherapy community before, during, and after the 2024 IFOMPT conference:

Pre-conference survey: We conducted an initial survey across 16 countries to gather preliminary thoughts on generative AI in physiotherapy, identifying key areas of interest and concern from within the international professional community.

In-conference survey: Building on these initial insights, we implemented a comprehensive survey during the conference week that explored participants' perceptions of AI across various aspects of physiotherapy practice, education, and research.

Pre-conference workshop: A full-day workshop before the main conference featured small group discussions, informed by the workshop facilitators and survey responses, exploring AI implications in clinical practice, education, and research contexts.

Community consultation: The draft document was shared in public, and promoted via social media channels, to solicit input on the discussion document. We also invited specific colleagues who had expressed interest in reviewing and providing feedback before finalisation.

Synthesis and analysis: Information from all sources was synthesised to identify key themes, opportunities, risks, and strategies related to AI integration in physiotherapy.

Iterative refinement: The document underwent several rounds of review and revision, incorporating feedback from workshop participants and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage.

This collaborative approach captured diverse perspectives from physiotherapy professionals, educators, researchers, and AI experts, providing a robust foundation for discussion about generative AI in physiotherapy.