Integrating progress files into the academic process: A review of case studies

A literature review of published case studies reporting progress file implementation was conducted with the intent of discovering how this is being interpreted and implemented in higher education institutions. The three studies found were analysed using an ideal type categorization developed by Clegg and Bradley (2006), that is, professional, academic or employment. All three case studies are examples of academics learning through experience about the process of personal development planning and how this integrates with current educational provision. As this is not a static process, an activity theory perspective may be a more useful framework to research how this understanding develops in a particular context. Currently the progress file is a contested object, which has not yet fulfilled its potential to place the student and their individual learning needs at the centre of the educational process

The perceptions of athenian physiotherapists on the referral service in Greece and its impact on professional autonomy

Background and Purpose. The attainment of professional autonomy is considered a priority of any profession. The development of autonomy in physiotherapy has differed among countries, with some achieving a high degree of autonomy while others have struggled. The current literature reveals little about the autonomy of physiotherapists in Greece, although it would appear they face both external and internal threats to autonomous practice and to the development of their profession. This exploratory study investigated Athenian physiotherapists' experiences of the referral system in Greece and its impact on professional autonomy. Methods. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was chosen, using a cluster sampling method. Ten physiotherapists participated in a 30-minute, one-to-one, semi-structured interview. The interview audio tapes were transcribed and an inductive analysis was carried out. When all transcripts had been coded, categories and themes were compared to record commonalities and differences to construct a hierarchy of essential themes expressing general views. Results. Physiotherapists were frustrated by the physiotherapy referral system in Greece. They revealed that their practice was restricted by factors, which included a long-standing dominance by the medical profession, bureaucratic process and the public perception of the profession in addition to restrictions from within the profession itself. To overcome the perceived restrictions to practice and the development of autonomy, participants had adopted strategies in an attempt to effectively address the patients' needs. Conclusions. There are clear issues related to the management and delivery of the physiotherapy referral system in Greece which impact on professional autonomy. Physiotherapists are forced to manipulate the referral system to provide a more appropriate level of care, resulting, however, in an inequitable service across the physiotherapy provision. If professional autonomy of physiotherapists in Greece is to move forward, these issues need to be acknowledged by governmental and professional bodies, as therapists can not be expected to undertake this journey alone. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd