From 26 to 30 October 2026, Ester Vinagre and Carolina Pacheco, Physiotherapy students, and Professor Carlos Crasto, from Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (SMHS – ESSSM), took part in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Evidence-Based Practice, hosted by École d’Assas in Paris, France.
This BIP is the result of an international collaboration between several European institutions: ENPHE (European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education), École d’Assas, the University of A Coruña, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Charles University, Universidad Europea de Madrid, CEERRF, and SMHS – ESSSM.
Under the theme “Evidence-Based Practice”, the programme aimed to introduce and develop knowledge of this key component of contemporary Physiotherapy, promoting the integration of the best available scientific evidence into clinical decision-making.
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to learn, share knowledge and connect with Physiotherapy students from across Europe. Working in international teams, they were challenged to identify and address a real-world clinical question using the systematic review methodology. The programme culminated in the presentation of their findings, providing hands-on experience in applied clinical research.
Participation in this BIP offered a valuable opportunity for learning and professional development, allowing students to strengthen their scientific research skills, critical thinking and ability to apply scientific evidence to clinical practice, while engaging in an international collaborative environment.
This initiative reinforces SMHS – ESSSM’s commitment to internationalisation, European academic cooperation and the education of future healthcare professionals who are able to base their clinical practice on the best available scientific evidence.
