Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinical education framework supporting an emerging new workforce
Authors: Harding Paula , Prescott Jonathan , Sayer James , Pearce Andrea 
Published: June 2015

Objective A project, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, was conducted with the aim of developing a clinical education framework that included an agreed competency standard and credentialing process to support advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles. This paper describes the process undertaken to achieve this and presents the outcomes of implementation. Methods A multistep approach was taken. Initial steps included conducting a scoping review of the literature and focus groups of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists. The project team mapped out the structure of the framework. This was followed by a working party of subject matter experts developing an agreed competency standard. The framework was implemented at six hospitals across Australia and formally evaluated by an external evaluator. Results The clinical education framework developed includes a competency-based training and assessment program supported by learning resources and a mentoring program. It was successfully implemented across a diverse range of hospitals and received a positive evaluation. Conclusions As the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions increases, a new workforce of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists is emerging. A clinical education framework has been developed to address the specific needs of the population, organisations and experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists recruited to these roles. A competent workforce has direct benefits for the community, healthcare organisations and the physiotherapy profession. What is known about the topic? The uptake and development of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy services have increased significantly and are now commonplace in many public hospitals across Australia. There is a need to ensure that physiotherapists working in these roles are suitably educated, trained and competent to perform these expanded roles. Although there has been some work undertaken in this area in the UK, there has been no consistent approach applied with respect to experience, clinical education, training and competency attainment to undertake these roles in Australia. What does this paper add? This paper introduces a clinical education framework and describes the method undertaken to develop and implement a competency standard and credentialing process to support physiotherapists undertaking advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy services roles. The clinical education framework was developed collaboratively with experienced clinicians across a range of health services and advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles, ensuring a consistent but flexible approach for the wider implementation of advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles. What are the implications for practitioners? The clinical education framework provides a comprehensive, consistent and clearly articulated pathway to support physiotherapists undertaking various advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy roles. The model uses adult learning principles and provides a standard approach for education and assessment. The model is designed to be flexible and adaptable to support the local context, as well as emerging areas of advanced practice.