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Background/aims: Few studies have investigated the characteristics of advanced practice physiotherapy in the UK to evaluate current context and implementation. The aim of this study was to understand how advanced practice physiotherapy is implemented in the UK. Methods: A cross-sectional online descriptive national questionnaire was developed, using a previous survey and literature, comprising 33 closed, Likert-scale and open questions. Data analysis was undertaken using frequencies and thematic analysis. All 646 members of the Advanced Practice Physiotherapy Network were invited to participate. Results: A total of 142 (22% response) reported 13 job titles; 40% had experienced ≥1 title change; most (50.7%) preferred 'advanced practice physiotherapist'. High level job satisfaction was identified but barriers prevent fulfilment of the four advanced practice physiotherapy pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. High level clinical skills and facilitating patient pathways were key to role differentiation. Problems included lack of support, inconsistency between responsibility and reward, and no consistent framework for advanced practice physiotherapy roles. Conclusions: Advanced practice physiotherapists are largely satisfied, but significant variation exists in titles and implementation of roles. A consistent advanced practice physiotherapy framework is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evidence suggests chronic whiplash is associated with sensory hypersensitivity. Understanding the degree of sensory impairment could enhance rehabilitation strategies. This preliminary study determined whether differences in sensory evaluation occur post whiplash injury. Methods: Single-blinded, case control observational study using a convenience sample of 20 participants (median age 28.5 years, low disability) with chronic grade II whiplash-associated disorder (CWADII) and 22 control participants (median age 26 years) with no history of whiplash/neck injury. Outcome measures included vibration and cold pain perception threshold, and joint position error. Results: Significant associations using Kendall's tau correlation coefficient were found between: vibration thresholds (thenar and hypothenar eminences) for the CWADII group (p<0.01); cold pain thresholds (thenar, 5th metacarpophalangeal, mid cervical spine) in both groups (p<0.01); joint positioning errors (global positioning following right/left rotations, left rotation/extension) (p<0.01) in the CWADII group; and between vertical direction errors (following right/left rotation) in both groups (p<0.01). Discrimination between groups was not identified using separate logistic regressions on vibration or cold pain thresholds (thenar eminence) or on global flexion/extension/right rotation position errors (p>0.01). Conclusions: The findings do not support the use of vibration, cold pain threshold or joint position error to identify individuals with CWADII with low disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the ability of experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists to recall and identify myofascial trigger point (MTrP) pain referral patterns associated with the cervical spine, and to determine the factors affecting myofascial pain pattern recognition in experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists. Methodology: A questionnaire-based descriptive survey using mixed methods was employed. A specially constructed questionnaire was used in the study. Responses were subjected to descriptive, statistical, and thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-five experienced musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists (mean qualification period=10.3 years, mean specialist MSK experience=7.52 years) took part in the study. 100% completed the questionnaire. The MTrP pattern recognition rate was 23.33%. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed a number of factors that may help to explain this low rate within the study sample. Conclusions: This exploratory study highlights deficiencies in the ability of experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists to recall and identify MTrP pain referral patterns associated with the cervical spine. Several factors were identified that may have contributed to the observed deficiencies in this area including: lack of education, knowledge and experience, difficulty with clinical recall, and notions surrounding clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodology of systematic review (SR) has developed considerably in recent years. The SR is rated as providing the highest level of evidence as it applies rigour in combining fi ndings from original evidence. However, concern has been expressed regarding the quality of some SRs. Critical evaluation of SRs is essential to ensure that they provide best evidence to inform management decisions in practice. A background to SRs illustrates their development and importance to informing decisions for best practice, especially for the busy clinical practitioner. The characteristics of a SR are evaluated using an illustrated example of the development of a SR method to evaluate conservative physical management of patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder grade II. Understanding the key components of a SR enables effective critique of a published review. This in turn facilitates effi cient use of the SR fi ndings within clinical decision making in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports further on a descriptive survey that explored the characteristics of existing masters courses that aimed to develop clinical expertise. The focus of the paper is the clinical placement component of masters courses. Quantitative and qualitative data were combined through use of a questionnaire to a total population sample (n = 171) of course tutors of masters courses in healthcare. A very good response rate (n = 148, 86.5%) found 89% (n = 132) of courses aiming to develop clinical expertise. As a means of developing expertise, emphasis was placed on clinical placement by 38.6% of participants (n=51). The data illustrate the features of clinical placement and raise key issues, such as the emphasis placed on part-time models of placement. Distinct differences between physiotherapy and other courses were highlighted, including physiotherapy's preference for two placements, the 2:1 model, placement of students outside of their place of work, and the use of placements at the end of the theoretical course components. The study has good external validity and can therefore be used as the basis for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies a gap in the existing literature surrounding the role of masters postgraduate courses in developing clinical expertise, and through use of survey methodology describes the characteristics of existing courses. Quantitative and qualitative data were combined through the use of a questionnaire to a total population sample (n=171) of course tutors of masters courses in healthcare. A very good response rate (n=148, 86.5%) found 89% (n=132) of courses aiming to develop clinical expertise. As a means of developing expertise, greatest emphasis was placed on the theoretical components of a course (90%, n= 120), with a similar emphasis on clinical placement (38.6%, n=51) and mentorship (46.2%, n=61). Approaches were similar across professions except for the use of placements where a significant difference existed (x2 [132,2] = 25. 173, P<0.05) with more allied health professional courses using placements compared to nursing or interprofessional courses. Saturation of the qualitative data was achieved highlighting themes reflective of the different means of developing expertise. The study had good external validity and can therefore be used as the basis for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which explored the complex area of clinical education through a multilevel analysis. Insight on the context of clinical education; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

The authors reflect on the role of research priorities in developing the health-care evidence-based practice. They argue that research requires development from two aspects, such as from a strategic direction and from the coordination and opportunity for responsive research. They also point out that participants' identification of priorities and the nature of scope of the research to be supported are reflected with the range of levels at which priorities are developed strategically.

This article presents information on development programs for the health-care professional. Several developments have contributed to the emphasis on continuing education as a means of developing this expertise. These have included the migration of health-care professional courses into higher education, the mandatory requirement for continuing professional development and the development of specialization within clinical practice. The World Health Organization (1983) usefully examines clinical governance through its four components of professional performance, resource use, risk management and patient satisfaction.

Focuses on a conference conducted by the "International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation" which deals with health care models. Aims of the conference; Details on the presentation of Geoff Norman, professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and assistant dean for Educational Research at McMaster University in Canada; Participation of Sarah Mott, professor of Rehabilitation Nursing.