Developing a core competency and capability framework for advanced practice physiotherapy: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Introduction

There is an urgent need to develop an international competency and capability framework to support standardization of education and roles in advanced practice physiotherapy (APP). This need arose due to the rapid growth of the APP model of care, implemented out of necessity in the absence of agreement as to the competencies and capabilities or formal education required for the roles. This study explores the views and perceptions of practitioners and key stakeholders on a draft competency and capability framework for advanced practice physiotherapists.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to: 1) gather feedback from key stakeholders (advanced practice physiotherapists, researchers, and leaders) on a draft competency and capability framework and 2) use that feedback to revise and improve the draft framework.

Design

Qualitative study using a series of four multi-national online focus groups. Thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke.

Results

Sixteen participants from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand participated in the study. Five themes were generated after data analysis: clinical expert, experienced communicator, strong leader, collaborator, and knowledge creator). A modified competency and capability framework was developed based on feedback from the focus groups and input from subject matter experts (SMEs).

Conclusion

This study provides a modified core competency and capability framework comprising 24 competencies grouped under six domains. This study is a step toward international standardization of advanced practice physiotherapy based on a commonly agreed framework for the education and training of advanced practice physiotherapists.

KEYWORDS:

• Advanced practice
• physiotherapy
• competency
• capability
• professional practice
• qualitative study

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge all the advanced practice physiotherapists, physiotherapy leaders and researchers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand who contributed to developing these competencies and capabilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.