IMPACt Study.V 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Integrated Models of Physiotherapy led care Across Community and Specialist Rheumatology Services
IRAS ID
261411
Contact name
Lyndsay Alexander
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 17 days
Research summary
An increasing number of patients are being referred to Rheumatology services with non-inflammatory musculoskeletal problems such as fibromyalgia, hypermobility spectrum disorder and osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests such patients benefit primarily from a programme of community based physiotherapy led treatment and support for self management, however availability and access to these services is limited. With increasing demands on primary and secondary healthcare resources, extended roles for Allied Health Professionals have been developed to overcome these challenges. For example Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP) within orthopaedic triage services to reduce waiting times and First Contact Practitioners working within General Practice to reduce the burden on GP appointments. Physiotherapists working in these roles are experienced clinicians but evidence to support their impact and cost effectiveness is inconclusive. There is also significant variation in the definition of ESP's roles within physiotherapy. The provision of ESP's within rheumatology specifically is variable with limited evidence around the development and support required for these roles in terms of job competencies, requisite skills and training.
This qualitative research study aims to evaluate the implementation of a specialist rheumatology physiotherapist at a pilot interface clinic to support the assessment and management of this patient group, as well as identifying the clinical competencies required by a physiotherapist to carry out this role. We will explore the key components, core skills, training and resources required for an ESP rheumatology physiotherapy role at the primary/secondary care interface. We will identify the facilitators and barriers at individual, organisational and policy level to developing ESP roles in physiotherapy, as well as patient experiences of care and the acceptability of physiotherapists working within these roles.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0245
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion