The role of the advanced clinical practitioner in arthroplasty care

Demand for joint arthroplasty surgery in the UK has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) roles in arthroplasty care, typically fulfilled by expert nurses or physiotherapists, have been developed to alleviate service pressures and facilitate care for the growing number of patients undergoing arthroplasty surgery. There are numerous different models of ACP-led services both in the UK and internationally, driven by local service and population needs. ACPs in arthroplasty care will be involved throughout the patient journey, including pre-operative assessment, peri-operative care and long-term surveillance. ACPs in arthroplasty care will develop expertise across all four pillars of advanced clinical practice and have the potential to influence and contribute to the development of guidance and policy for the future of arthroplasty care delivery, ensuring best quality, evidence-based practice is achieved.