The expertise of various healthcare providers is being valued. However, there is no in-depth discussion on the competencies required of them. This study attempted to conceptualize the expertise of healthcare providers through the case of rehabilitation where tasks are professionally divided. The thematic analysis was conducted after in-depth interviews with 18 rehabilitation providers and 20 patients.
As a result of the study, six themes were derived: medical knowledge of the disease, understanding and applying therapeutic skills, patient-specific experience of therapy, sufficient explanation of the therapy, emotional bond based on communication, and patient motivation to participate in therapy. This result suggests that the competencies required for rehabilitation therapist ranging from professional knowledge or experience at the individual level of the therapist to patient-centered relational aspects. Finally, we’ve managed to review the limitations of the current training system and continuing education for the rehabilitation therapist related to the components of expertise and discussed the improvements of human resources system for developing professional health care.