ABSTRACT VIEW
USE OF THE PRINCE2 METHODOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION PROJECT
A. Alves Lopes, M. Noronha, P. Almeida, A. Vieira, D. Santana, M. Dias
Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão (PORTUGAL)
Introduction:
The Physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum aims to develop graduates who are competent in their field and capable of tackling complex challenges autonomously and creatively. A key focus is also to promote sustainable environmental practices, ensuring that future physiotherapists are equipped to integrate these principles into their professional activities. To achieve this, an adapted pedagogical strategy using the PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) project management methodology has been implemented for community projects. PRINCE2 is a structured, process-based approach that enhances the organization, management, and control of projects from initiation to closure. Its core principles—such as flexibility, defined roles and responsibilities, and a focus on quality—are instrumental in fostering best practices in project execution. This study explores the use of PRINCE2 in a community-based health education project aimed at enhancing Portuguese physiotherapists' awareness and integration of sustainable environmental practices in their clinical work.

Methodology:
During the spring semester of 2023, students from Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão, were introduced to a series of challenges to enhance sustainable environmental practices. The PRINCE2 methodology was presented, and roles such as Project Manager, Team Members, and Customer were assigned, with support from Subject Matter Experts. The methodology follows several stages: starting up the project, directing it, initiating, controlling each stage, managing product delivery, overseeing stage boundaries, and closing the project. At each step, roles and responsibilities were clearly defined to ensure smooth progress. The structured process guided students from an initial project mandate through planning and execution to the final evaluation of deliverables.

Results:
The final product of this project was the translation and adaptation of environmental educational materials for the Portuguese context, resulting in a guide for environmental physiotherapy practices. This adaptation aimed to enable Portuguese physiotherapists to integrate sustainable principles into their clinical practice and work environments. By applying the PRINCE2 methodology, students developed a resource that met quality expectations and equipped physiotherapists with tools to positively influence environmental health through their professional activities.

Conclusions:
The implementation of the PRINCE2 methodology demonstrated its feasibility for structuring community-based health education initiatives. The approach proved effective and adaptable, making it suitable for similar future projects. The outcomes highlight its dual impact: empowering physiotherapists with sustainable knowledge and contributing to broader efforts for environmental health. This underscores the relevance of incorporating structured project management frameworks like PRINCE2 in health education, preparing future physiotherapists to contribute to sustainability efforts at both local and global levels.

Keywords: Environmental, Physiotherapy, Education.

Event: INTED2025
Track: Active & Student-Centered Learning
Session: Problem & Project-Based Learning
Session type: VIRTUAL