Clinical practice for best effect

Eastbourne hosted the 1996 congress of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy – Europe; the theme for the 4days was ‘Physiotherapy for Best Effect’. Five hundred and fifty delegates from all over Europe and beyond gathered to listen to topics ranging from the importance of research in identifying effective physiotherapy treatments to discussion sessions on current ‘hot topics’. These included motivation and morale in the workplace, continuing professional development and clinical education. Lectures, workshops, poster presentations and debates promoted discussions that were wide and varied. Although this was a conference primarily for physiotherapists, the issues addressed were core to all health professions working in today's climate where the relationship between the purchaser and provider requires evidence about the effectiveness of practice.