Competency frameworks for primary care rehabilitation professionals: a scoping review of global practices and implications for developing countries.

PURPOSE: Integrated rehabilitation eases chronic mobility dependence, yet competency frameworks struggle to be implemented in resource-limited regions. To map global competency frameworks for primary care rehabilitation professionals and identify specific implications for workforce development in developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, mapping data against the World Health Organization Rehabilitation Competency Framework (RCF). A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC) and grey literature sources from inception to December 2025. RESULTS: Of the 4495 initial records identified, 65 documents were included in the final review. Analysis revealed a significant divergence: competence frameworks formulated for high-income nations predominantly emphasize specialized clinical expertise and rigid standardization, whereas frameworks for developing countries prioritize versatility, transdisciplinary task-shifting, and community resource mobilization. A distinct "Adaptive Generalist" profile emerged for resource-limited settings, necessitating "survival competencies" such as resource improvization ("MacGyvering") and social advocacy alongside core clinical skills. CONCLUSION: Transplanting western competency models is insufficient for developing nations. Instead, hybrid frameworks integrating evidence-based clinical standards with adaptive, community-focused competencies are necessary. To prepare skilled practitioners for diverse resource-limited settings, future curricula must officially recognize nontraditional skills such as improvization and task shifting.