Divisive attacks on advanced practice roles ‘do nothing to improve patient care’, says CSP

A self-selecting survey of doctors answering leading questions was cited as evidence of ‘doctor substitution’ by nurses, midwives, paramedics and AHPs in AP roles. 

The report made sweeping claims about the safety of patients seeing professionals in these roles.

John Cowman, chief executive of the CSP, said: 

‘Advanced practice physiotherapists are highly trained, regulated practitioners who provide expert care to patients in a range of settings across the NHS. 

‘Their skills, knowledge and expertise complement what other professions bring to teams treating patients and have an exceptionally strong record on safety. 

‘The NHS needs more doctors to ensure rotas can be appropriately staffed and patient needs met.  

‘However, that point stands alone. We should be wary of making any assumptions that rostering or rotas reflect the quality of care patients receive from AHPs or nurses working at an advanced level. 

‘It’s incredibly hard to see what has been achieved by publishing these claims, which risk creating a hostile atmosphere towards APs in workplaces across the NHS and do absolutely nothing to improve patient care.’ 

The CSP will write to the Department of Health and Social Care to raise the issue and ask what can be done to ensure APs are not adversely affected by the claims being made about their roles.