Extended Scope Practitioners
- 'Horizon' (ESP quarterly newsletter)
- 'Resource Manual and Competences for Extended Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Roles'. This book, written by Dr Grant Syme, was published by the network in May 2009 and is available to all members as part of their joining fee. The book is available for purchase by non-members.
Website
ESP has its own website where information about ESPs, the network and its activities and links to joining can be found. A list of HEI's offering ESP-relevant courses/modules and a list of ESP-related research articles are also posted on the site. See: www.esp-physio.co.uk
ESP has a dedicated network on iCSP. This provides up to date news and an excellent method for discussion and exchange of information. As a membership group we strongly advocate this medium as a way of improving communication between ESPs. Information for physiotherapy managers, clinical physiotherapists and other health professionals is available on this website.
Regional network
There are currently six regional ESP groups who hold regular meetings on ESP issues: Bristol, East Anglia, South West London, South East England, North West England and Scotland. Additional groups are forming in other areas and details of these groups and their leaders will be available via Horizon and the group's website. For further information/contact details for these groups contact Marion Rutter – e-mail marionrutter@hotmail.co.uk
Peer support/mentorship
Members are encouraged to visit colleagues in an established role for mentorship, especially when setting up new posts. Members in the same department can support each other and, where available, branches offer support. The ESP Executive Committee answers queries relating to the ESP role. Names and contact details of officers are available through the CSP.
Suggested reading list
- Byles SE, Ling RSM (1989), Orthopaedic Out-patients - A Fresh Approach, Physiotherapy, 75(7):435-437.
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2008) "PD001 The Scope of Practice of Physiotherapy".
- Daker-White G, Carr AJ, Harvey I, Woolhead G, Bannister G, Nelson I, Kammerling M (1999), A randomized controlled trial. Shifting the boundaries of doctors and physiotherapists in orthopaedic outpatient departments. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 53, 643-650.
- Dawson LJ, Ghazi F (2004), The experience of physiotherapy extended scope practitioners in orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Physiotherapy. 90:210-216.
- Extended Scope Practitioners Occupational Interest Group (2009) Resource Manual and Competences for Extended Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Roles.
- Hattam P, Smeatham A (1999), Evaluation of an orthopaedic screening service in primary care. British Journal of Clinical Governance. 4(2):45-49.
- Kersten P, McPherson K, Lattimer V, George S, Breton A, Ellis B (2007), Physiotherapy extended scope of practice - who is doing what and why? Physiotherapy. 9:235-242.
- McPherson K, Kersten P, George S, Lattimer V, Ellis B, Breton A, Ellis B, Kaur D, Frampton G (2009), A systematic review of evidence about extended roles for allied health professionals. Journal of Health Service Research and Policy. 11(4):340-347.
- Rabey M, Morgans S, Barrett C. Orthopaedic physiotherapy practitioners: Surgical and radiological referral rates (2009), Clinical Governance. 14(1):15-19.
- Robarts S, Kennedy D, Macleod AM, Findlay H, Gollish J (2008), A framework for the development and implementation of an advanced practice role for physiotherapists that improves access and quality of care for patients. Healthcare Quarterly. 11(2):67-75.
Conferences and study days
The network's annual conference and study day, which includes the AGM, takes place each spring. If resources are available the Executive Committee organises other study days on relevant topics open to all but at reduced cost to members.
Formal courses offered/recommended
Most members hold postgraduate qualifications, for example MSc, Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) membership, Society of Orthopaedic Medicine (SOM) membership. M level modules are available with emphasis on extended practice.
Published evidence-based material
The ESP Executive was involved in the steering group for: Leverson R, Vaughan B (1999), Developing New Roles in Practice, An Evidence Based Guide, Kings Fund, Sheffield University School of Policy Studies (SCHARR) and University of Bristol.
The ESP research officer monitors members' involvement in projects and writes updates of work underway and of new interest in the network's newsletter.
Members can opt in to allow their contact details to be available to other members conducting research projects relevant to their expertise or speciality and take advantage of this system to aid their own research.
Two annual bursaries of £500 are available for audit/research/evaluation projects. For information contact the PRO, Susan Gross.
ESP: 'physiotherapists working at a high level of expertise who have extended their practice in a specialised clinical area'.
Extended scope of practice implies working beyond the recognised scope of practice, for example: requesting investigations eg blood tests, scans, nerve conduction studies and using the results of the investigations to assist clinical diagnosis and appropriate management of patients; listing for surgery, and referring independently to other medical and healthcare professionals.
ESPs appointed to an ESP post, those working towards an ESP post and managers interested in setting up ESP posts can join. There is also an associate membership category, full information can be found on the network's website.
ESP expects members to be actively involved in achieving its objectives to support and promote all aspects of the ESP role. This is reliant on an interactive network of clinicians communicating and sharing information effectively.
£25.00 per annum.
No specific outcome measures are formally recommended by the group due to the diversity of extended roles and patient case mix.
Relevant legislation/policy developments
Making the best use of a Department of Clinical Radiology - Guidelines for Doctors, The Royal College of Radiologists, London. ISBN 1 872599 37 0
Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (IRMER): individuals are advised to contact their hospital's radiological protection officer. By law, any practitioner who requests radiological investigations (eg X-rays) must receive radiation protection training to protect patients undergoing medical exposure. Contact your local radiology department or local or regional radiation protection service about this.