How can physical therapy educators help students better understand the social and structural factors that influence health, patient care, and communities?

ACAPT’s Task Force to Develop a Systems Approach to Social Determinants of Health in Physical Therapy Curriculum has developed a new Glossary of Key Terms to support DPT educators as they navigate this evolving area of health professions education. The resource brings together terminology related to social and structural drivers of health, health inequities, social justice, and educational approaches, along with pedagogical frameworks and additional resources for continued learning.

Designed as an optional educational resource and starting point, the glossary can help faculty build deeper understanding and prepare future physical therapists to better recognize the contextual factors affecting the patients and populations they will serve.

Explore the glossary and put this new ACAPT resource to work in your program.