What is the global perspective on advanced practice physiotherapy: A qualitative study across five countries.

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy Practice
• Healthcare Models
• Global Health Perspectives

Background:

• Advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) is growing, yet implementation faces challenges due to a lack of a universally accepted definition.
• This ambiguity creates confusion among patients, employers, and healthcare providers regarding APP scope and qualifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore global perspectives on advanced practice physiotherapy.
• To develop a common definition for APP across different countries.
• To differentiate APP from clinical specialist roles and identify practice challenges.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study involving four online focus groups with participants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK.
• Purposive sampling was used for participant selection.
• Data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis, following SRQR standards.

Main Results:

• Sixteen participants (12 APP, 4 leaders/researchers) contributed to the study.
• Three major themes emerged: higher clinical expertise and responsibility in APP, distinction from specialists based on competencies and scope, and associated professional/operational challenges.
• Ten sub-themes were identified and mapped, detailing the complexities of APP.

Conclusions:

• A common definition for APP was established, differentiating it from clinical specialists.
• Key challenges to the implementation and sustainability of the APP model were identified.
• The proposed definition is adaptable to local healthcare needs, and addressing challenges can support APP sustainability.