Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinical education framework supporting an emerging new workforce

A project, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, was conducted with the aim of developing a clinical education framework that included an agreed competency standard and credentialing process to support advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles. This paper describes the process undertaken to achieve this and presents the outcomes of implementation.

A multistep approach was taken. Initial steps included conducting a scoping review of the literature and focus groups of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists. The project team mapped out the structure of the framework. This was followed by a working party of subject matter experts developing an agreed competency standard. The framework was implemented at six hospitals across Australia and formally evaluated by an external evaluator.

The clinical education framework developed includes a competency-based training and assessment program supported by learning resources and a mentoring program. It was successfully implemented across a diverse range of hospitals and received a positive evaluation.

As the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions increases, a new workforce of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists is emerging. A clinical education framework has been developed to address the specific needs of the population, organisations and experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists recruited to these roles. A competent workforce has direct benefits for the community, healthcare organisations and the physiotherapy profession.