Driving Digital Innovation in Physiotherapy Education: MyKnowledgeMap’s Collaboration on the New CPAF 2024

At MyKnowledgeMap, we're proud to be at the forefront of digital transformation in healthcare education. One of our most impactful recent collaborations has been with UK universities offering Physiotherapy programmes, working together to develop a digitised version of the new Common Placement Assessment Form (CPAF) 2024.

A Unified Approach to Placement Assessment

To better understand the user experience, the original CPAF underwent a comprehensive evaluation. A dedicated working group was established to review the feedback and propose improvements. In response, the CSP collaborated closely with representatives from universities, practice education, and student bodies across the UK to develop the updated CPAF September 2024.

Developed and approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the CPAF 2024 is a single, simplified form used throughout the entire three-year course. This not only improves clarity for students and practice educators but also aligns with the CSP’s strategic objectives to enhance consistency and fairness in practice-based learning.

The new form standardises the assessment process across all UK universities offering pre-registration physiotherapy programmes, and in all practice settings, no matter which university students attend.

Recognising the need for a robust, user-friendly digital solution for the new form, MyKnowledgeMap partnered with physiotherapy departments across UK universities to bring the CPAF 2024 online using MyProgress.

MyProgress enables:

• Seamless digital access for students, educators, and university staff.

• Real-time feedback and progress tracking, allowing for better support throughout placements.

• Integrated reporting and analytics, supporting universities in identifying trends and enhancing the quality of practice-based learning.

• Consistent user experience across all stages of the course, from the first placement through to final year assessments.

  
  

By digitising the CPAF, we’ve helped ensure the form is not just a static document but an interactive and engaging tool that supports the learning journey.

The Student's Mobile App

Collaborative Development

Our approach was underpinned by close collaboration with CSP stakeholders, academic leads and placement coordinators at Anglia Ruskin University, University of Bedford, University of Brighton, University of Essex, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, University of South Wales, and Wrexham University.

Together, we conducted workshops and feedback sessions to ensure that the digital CPAF mirrors the spirit and intent of the CSP’s new framework, while offering the usability and functionality today’s learners and educators expect.

All of the institutions tested and gave regular feedback on the development of the digitised CPAF 2024 and are now happy with the result. This collaborative model ensured that the solution was not just technically sound, but also pedagogically robust and professionally relevant.

A Practice Educator's View

Supporting the Future of Physiotherapy Education

The digitised CPAF 2024 represents a step forward in physiotherapy education. By simplifying and standardising the assessment, it empowers students, educators, and universities alike.

As the physiotherapy profession continues to grow and adapt, we’re committed to supporting its educational needs with cutting-edge digital solutions that make a meaningful difference.