Looking at the horizon after Brexit: Reflections of a physiotherapist

On 23 June 2016, Britons voted in a referendum to decide whether to leave the European Union (EU). Surprisingly, the results led to Brexit. Consequently, scientific research will make great sacrifices, as much of this activity is funded by the EU. ¹ Brexit could also result in a shortage of National Health Service staff, as Great Britain has benefitted from the presence of an estimated 130,000 foreign healthcare professionals.^2,3 One of the main concerns highlighted by scientists is the potential reduction in personal mobility, which could prevent or complicate future international cooperation.^4–6

Simultaneously, the European economic system has faced challenges since 2011, when the global crisis led to economic constraints. Economic slumps often affect a range of socio-economic sectors. If Brexit is not the mother of all crises, it will certainly affect the healthcare system via a broad range of constraints. Will physiotherapy also be affected? Indeed, physiotherapy will also pay for the consequences of Brexit. Like other professionals, physiotherapists are often keen to move to different countries during their careers to gain experience or simply provide professional services in another country. Hopefully, the UK will remain an attractive country for Europeans wanting to study physiotherapy. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy is based in London. Many UK centres offer internship and clinical observer programmes, which represent a potential source of learning and cultural–professional exchange, such as in postoperative physiotherapy. Those who have experienced such opportunities are now reflecting on their importance.

Cultural exchange and all of the practices that favour it allow professionals to achieve higher levels of knowledge and greater reasoning skills. Participation in clinical observation programmes is crucial to pursuing a modern vision of rehabilitation and related fields. Too many centuries of darkness have blanketed European borders, limiting people to their own perspectives. The development of new trends, techniques, and reasoning is based, even more than in the past, on shared knowledge. Beyond Brexit and its effects on European daily life, consumers and professionals should be aware of the danger created by isolation, and they should try to maintain a positive attitude toward cooperation. Without it, development cannot occur.