Assessing the relative perspective of the regulation of kinesiologists among other health professionals

Abstract

Formerly a self-governed profession, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, kinesiology was designated a regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of current health delivery agents to the regulation of kinesiology. An 18-item survey was used to collect data, and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) framework was used for analysis. The data indicated that kinesiology provides a unique expertise adding to client and patient care and is a needed partner within the multidisciplinary health environment. Similarly, despite the need for the profession to clearly define, delineate, and promote its scope of practice to professionals and to the public, there are increased opportunities that exist within the health care sector, particularly in chronic disease prevention. The addition of kinesiology as a regulated health profession was not considered to be a threat by existing key stakeholders.