Extended scope practitioners and clinical specialists: a place in rural health?
This review identifies two models of allied health advanced practitioner practice that are currently in place in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom (UK). A review of the background to advanced practitioner status is given for UK allied health professionals and comments made on the outcomes of the UK roles. Description of the work of Clinical Specialist and Extended Scope Practitioner is given. Alignment with senior physiotherapy staff roles in Australia is commented upon. Some barriers or impediments to implementation of such a system in Australia are discussed with respect to registration, funding and support. The feasibility of such advanced practice roles for physiotherapy is discussed while benefits and cautions are identified. The potential for such a model of health service to be used in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas, is identified for debate.
Ruston
Sally A
SA
School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. sally.ruston@jcu.edu.au
D001315:Australia; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D012423:Rural Health; D019035:Rural Health Services; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce