Opportunities in acute and chronic respiratory physiotherapy: recent developments in the UK

Abstract

Opportunities for physiotherapists are greater than ever, both clinically and professionally, due to an increasing wealth of clinical arenas, which need to be developed and modernised, and span the whole spectrum of patient care from acute services to community-based care. There are also vital non-clinical roles, many in addition to full-time posts, to be undertaken. This article will use the national changes in the health-care system in the UK to exemplify some professional and clinical opportunities currently available to physiotherapists in respiratory care, including the role of the consultant physiotherapist.