Ethics and Ethical Standards for Physiotherapists

Ethics and Ethical Standards for Physiotherapists is a CPD course designed for physiotherapists practising in Australia who want to strengthen ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and safe patient care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing notifications, complaints, or fitness to practise processes through Ahpra and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, but is equally valuable for those seeking to embed high ethical standards into everyday physiotherapy practice.

The course explores the core ethical principles underpinning physiotherapy, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and professional integrity. Participants will examine how these principles apply in real-world situations such as obtaining informed consent for physical therapies, maintaining appropriate physical and professional boundaries, managing patient expectations, and ensuring honest, evidence-based communication. Common ethical concerns in physiotherapy practice — including over-treatment, boundary issues, poor documentation, and conflicts of interest — are addressed alongside their professional and regulatory implications.

Through practical case-based learning, reflective exercises, and structured guidance, participants will develop the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas confidently, respond appropriately to concerns or complaints, and demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation where required. By the end of this course, physiotherapists will be better equipped to meet professional expectations, maintain public trust, and sustain safe, ethical practice aligned with Australian regulatory standards.