Mapping the integration of advanced practice physiotherapists in Danish hospitals

To map the extent of advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) integration in Danish hospitals and explore the roles and characteristics of these models of care.

Cross-sectional survey.

All hospitals in Denmark (secondary care).

Representatives from all 36 Danish hospitals were contacted; 31 responded (86 % response rate).

Not applicable.

Prevalence and duration of APP models, departmental placement, scope of responsibilities, and any required education or competencies.

Seventeen of the 31 respondent hospitals (55 %) reported having APP roles. The mean duration of APP integration was 9.7 years. Most APP models were located in orthopaedic departments, although they were also present in rheumatology, internal medicine, and acute medical units. Common APP functions included initial patient examination, triage, ordering diagnostic imaging, establishing medical diagnoses, and, in some settings, performing injections or fracture repositioning. Less frequently reported functions included ultrasound examinations and cast application. All respondents noted continuous access to physician consultation. Considerable regional variation was observed in both the departmental integration of APP and the range of responsibilities undertaken by APP clinicians.

Approximately half of Danish hospitals reported established APP roles, indicating broader uptake than previously captured by global surveys. The observed variability across regions and departments underscores the need for standardized guidelines, further research on clinical effectiveness, and clarification of required competencies. Understanding these factors may help optimize APP implementation and improve patient access to timely and effective musculoskeletal and general healthcare.