Advanced practice in physiotherapy: a global survey

Abstract

IntroductionAdvanced practice in physiotherapy represents a development in the practice of physiotherapy and has developed in different ways around the world. There is growing evidence to support advanced physiotherapy practice. In May 2019, the member organisations adopted the first World Physiotherapy policy on advanced practice in physiotherapy. However, to date, there is no evidence on the nature and extent of this practice globally. ObjectivesTo investigate the extent to which advanced practice is present within the global physiotherapy community, to document the titles used, to describe the pathway to become an advanced physiotherapy practitioner and to investigate the barriers and facilitators to the development of the roles. DesignAn online cross-sectional survey was sent to the various national associations of the World Physiotherapy. ParticipantsParticipants were the member organisations of World Physiotherapy. InstrumentThe survey comprised 14 questions. The questions were developed based on a review of the evidence around advanced practice and in-depth discussions with the expert group set up by World Physiotherapy. ResultsA total of 82/112 MOs responded to the survey representing a 73% response rate. Fourteen respondents (14/82, 17%) indicated that they had formal roles in their country/territory. The terms specialist and advanced physiotherapy practitioner were often used interchangeably and were a source of confusion. Seventy-nine (11/14, 79%) percent stated that most advanced physiotherapy practitioners have a combination of clinical practice and a Master’s or Doctoral degree. The major facilitators to the development and sustainability of the role were the research evidence, advocacy by the professional organisation, the need to reduce cost and the support received by the advanced physiotherapy practitioners from their employers. ConclusionThe outcomes of this study provide a clearer understanding of how member organisations of World Physiotherapy defined advanced practice in physiotherapy and what titles are used. It provides insights into the barriers and facilitators to the development of advanced practice in physiotherapy.