The impact of a musculoskeletal masters course: developing clinical expertise

A common aim of Masters (MSc) courses in the UK, accredited by the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), is to promote the clinical expertise of practitioners. Few studies have explored the extent to which this is achieved and understanding is further hampered by the contested nature of expertise. This paper reports on the impact of an MACP approved MSc on practitioners and offers a conceptual model of their development towards clinical expertise. A qualitative theory-seeking case study was used, drawing on the procedures and processes of grounded theory. Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven alumni from one MACP approved MSc programme. Dimensional analysis and the constant comparative method of data analysis, was used to build the conceptual model. Prior to enrolment, practitioners uncritically accepted knowledge from others and followed habitual routines with their patients. Their diet of informal CPD appeared ineffective in developing these attributes. The impact of the MACP approved MSc involved three developmental aspects of clinical expertise: critical understanding of practice knowledge, patient centred practice and capability to learn in, and from, clinical practice. These inter-related aspects of knowledge, practice and learning offer a conceptual model of the development towards clinical expertise. The most powerful experience to trigger change was direct observation and feedback of their clinical practice by an MACP educator; this highlights the value of clinical mentors facilitating less experienced colleagues. The implementation of such mentorship within departments may offer a cost effective and manageable way to support CPD within the workforce.