PABC Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia Podcast

In this episode, PABC hits the road for a recap of our recent Vancouver Island clinic tour. We share highlights from conversations with physiotherapists and clinic owners, reflect on some of the common challenges and opportunities we heard along the way, and talk about the value of connecting directly with members in their communities.

What does effective advocacy really look like, and how is it shaping the future of physiotherapy in British Columbia?
In this episode, PABC CEO Andrea Burton and Director of Advocacy & Research Jason Craig reflect on how the association has evolved in recent years and discuss the growing role of advocacy in advancing the profession. They explore the shift from traditional member services toward strategic, evidence-informed advocacy, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, collaboration, and long-term planning to influence healthcare policy.
Andrea and Jason share updates on key initiatives, including scope optimization, diagnostic imaging, primary care integration, ICBC improvements, and the changing healthcare landscape under the Health Professions and Occupations Act. They also discuss why advocacy differs from activism, the value of compelling patient stories alongside research evidence, and how PABC is engaging members through focused task forces to help shape the profession's future.
Whether you're interested in healthcare policy, leadership, or the future of physiotherapy in BC, this conversation provides an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes to strengthen the profession and improve patient care.
Tune in to hear how thoughtful advocacy, strong partnerships, and member engagement are helping position physiotherapy as an increasingly influential voice in British Columbia's healthcare system.

In this final episode of the Charting with Confidence series, Patrick Dessaulles speaks with Sue Murphy, physiotherapist, educator, and Professional Practice Advisor with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC, about charting from a professional practice perspective.  
Topics discussed include: 
Charting expectations under the HPOA  
Documentation during complaints and audits  
Informed consent and ongoing consent  
AI scribes and privacy considerations  
Record retention requirements  
Resources to support compliant charting practices 
 
Resources mentioned: 
The Write Stuff  

In this episode of New Directions, Patrick Dessaulles speaks with Allison Ezzat, National Lead for GLA:D Canada, about integrating evidence-based care for osteoarthritis into physiotherapy practice.  
They discuss the GLA:D program—an internationally recognized approach combining patient education, structured exercise, and outcome tracking—and its impact on pain, function, and quality of life. 
The conversation also explores how the program supports group-based care, improves accessibility, and can reduce reliance on surgery. Allison highlights current gaps in British Columbia and ongoing efforts to expand clinician training, referrals, and access to the program across the province. 
 Links discussed: 
GLA:D Canada Annual Report 
'I do hope more people can benefit from it.': The qualitative experience of individuals living with osteoarthritis who participated in the GLA:D™ program in Alberta, Canada 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38381756/ 
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Total Knee Replacement 
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1505467?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 
 
Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation of an Osteoarthritis Management Programs in a Low-Income Setting: An Exploratory Study of Malawian Physical Therapists 
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2026.13317 
 
How to Contact Allison 
Allison.ezzat@bcchr.ca 

In this 2nd episode of the Charting with Confidence series, Patrick Dessaulles sits down with physiotherapist and clinic owner Jamie Hartwell to discuss charting from both the clinician and clinic owner perspective. Drawing on firsthand experience, Jamie shares what she has learned about the risks associated with incomplete documentation, insurance audits, and the responsibilities that come with running a clinic and submitting direct billing claims. 
This conversation explores why charting is not just a professional requirement, but also a critical safeguard for clinicians, clinic owners, and patients. 
In this episode, they discuss: 
Why proper charting is essential for professional accountability and risk management 
How direct billing creates additional obligations for clinic owners, even after a clinician has left the practice 
Why unsigned or incomplete charts can become a major issue during an audit 
The importance of writing chart notes that are clear, thorough, and understandable to a third party 
Practical tips for clinicians, including: 
Starting chart notes during or immediately after the session 
Signing off chart notes within a reasonable timeframe 
Including enough detail to stand alone as a complete clinical record 
Practical tips for clinic owners, including: 
Monitoring documentation habits across the team 
Using charting software tools to identify incomplete records 
Having regular check-ins and reminders with clinicians 
Key takeaway: Strong documentation protects the therapist, supports continuity of care, helps justify treatment, and can make a major difference if an audit or complaint arises. 

In this episode of New Directions, Patrick speaks with PABC Vancouver Island Board Member Cassie Adams-Johnson about charting from a clinical management perspective, including its role in legal protection, continuity of care, audit readiness, and professional accountability.
 
Cassie also shares practical strategies clinics can use to support strong documentation habits, from onboarding and monthly audits to clear expectations and supportive follow-up.

Host: Jason Craig, Knowledge Lead, PABCGuest: Patrick Dessaulles, Physiotherapist & PABC Professional Development / Member Supports
In this episode of New Directions, Jason sits down with physiotherapist and PABC team member Patrick Dessaulles to explore how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can deepen therapeutic relationships, support behaviour change, and reduce burnout for clinicians. Patrick explains the “spirit” of MI, why ambivalence is normal, and how a few core communication skills can integrate into every day physio practice.
In this episode, they discuss:
What motivational interviewing is and how it grew from addictions work into broader health care
The “spirit” of MI: compassion, acceptance, partnership, and evocation
How MI strengthens therapeutic alliance and fits squarely within person-centred care
Ambivalence: why it’s normal (“I know exercise helps… but I never do it”) and how MI helps people move from stuck to ready to act
Concrete physio examples: chronic low back pain, post-surgical rehab, and the classic “fix me” client
Core MI communication skills (OARS):
Open-ended questions
Affirmations
Reflections
Summaries
How MI can:
Increase engagement, autonomy, adherence, and satisfaction for clients
Decrease “fix-me” pressure and help buffer clinician burnout
Common misconceptions, including the idea that MI is a 5-minute “technique” rather than a way of being throughout the whole interaction
Resources & next steps for PABC members
Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) – foundational MI info and demo videos
https://motivationalinterviewing.org/
Center for Collaboration, Motivation and Innovation-  Free Introductory MI course
https://centrecmi.ca/resources/
PABC Motivational Interviewing Mentorship Hours
Monthly, free for members via the BC Physio app
Lightly guided space to practice skills, ask questions, and apply MI to real cases
Foundations of Motivational Interviewing Course (Spring)
A virtual, multi-session PABC course (5 × 4-hour webinars + 1:1 practice)
Free to PABC members — details and registration to come
Connect with Patrick:
📧 patrick@bcphysio.org
📧 membersupport@bcphysio.org
BC Physio Advocate Community Platform & app – for members wanting to stay connected and engaged in advocacy and professional development
https://www.bc.physio/feed

Host: Patrick Dessaulles, Professional Development Lead, PABCGuest: Andrea Burton, CEO, PABC
In this episode of New Directions, Patrick sits down with PABC CEO Andrea Burton to look at what’s worrying—and what’s exciting in the physiotherapy landscape in BC over the next six months.
Key topics:
Fees & funding pressures
Wide variation in clinic fees and the impact on insurer expectations.
Stagnant rates since before COVID and what that means for clinic sustainability.
The long-frozen MSP rate of $23/visit and how it affects patient access.
Regulation & contracts
Ongoing uncertainty with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA).
Concerns about public practice contracts under HSA and how small physio’s voting power is.
WorkSafeBC service agreement renegotiation and lessons learned from the ICBC contract fight.
Scope, imaging & system change
PABC’s push to add diagnostic imaging to physio scope and why it’s a game changer for access and wait times.
Upcoming position statement and webinar for members.
Strengthening the profession & PABC’s role
Building more collegiality across public/private and between clinics.
PABC as the only organized physiotherapy voice under a multi-profession college.
How stories, member engagement, and working groups fuel real advocacy wins.

It’s been a landmark year for the Physiotherapy Association of BC! In this special conversation, CEO Andrea Burton and Director of Organizational Development Sean Cranbury reflect on advocacy wins that are shaping the future of physiotherapy. 
 
From successfully pushing ICBC to revise unfair contract terms, to securing updates to our scope of practice for the first time in 15 years, to leading the charge on long-overdue MSP reforms—PABC has proven the power of persistence and collective voice.
 
With provisional licensing returning, WorkSafe negotiations underway, and momentum building around the new Health Professions and Occupations Act, the message is clear: physiotherapy is rising as a key voice in BC healthcare. 
 
Backed by a bold 2024–2026 Strategic Plan focused on advocacy, collaboration, and cultural safety, PABC is moving into 2026 with strength, unity, and vision.
 
🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement advancing physiotherapy across BC!