Orthopaedic Consultant's Experiences and Perceptions Regarding Advanced Practice Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic Clinics: A Qualitative Study
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Authors
Rabey, Martin
Fortescue, Nicky
Barrett, Catherine
Reilly, Peter
O'Brien, Daniel
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
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Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Perceptions of key stakeholders may be barriers or facilitators to advanced practice physiotherapy services. However, the experience and perception of orthopedic consultants regarding advanced practice physiotherapy roles is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Explore orthopedic consultants' experiences and perceptions regarding advanced practice physiotherapists in adult orthopedic clinics. METHODS: Qualitative study: Reflexive thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with twelve orthopedic consultants practising at Royal Perth Hospital. Interviews were driven by indicative questions based upon contemporary literature regarding advanced practice physiotherapy and conducted using a constructivist lens to capture diverse perspectives. Themes/subthemes were reviewed by the entire research team. RESULTS: Four themes, capturing conflicting views, were derived: 1) APP role clarity. 2) Enhancement of orthopedic services. 3) Health system challenges. 4) Expectations of orthopedic services. Theme one reflected a lack of clarity, amongst orthopedic consultants interviewed, regarding the advanced practice physiotherapist's role, scope of practice and level of education, while complimenting their diagnostic skills. Theme two highlighted enhancement of orthopedic services through thorough biopsychosocial assessments, contrasting perceptions regarding advanced practice physiotherapist efficiency, and considered whether advanced practice physiotherapists are a burden on orthopedic clinics. Theme three considered shifting clinical responsibilities and the perceived need for clinical pathways. Theme four highlighted negative perceptions of patient and referrer feedback.Description
Keywords
Advanced practice, consultant, orthopedics, perception, physiotherapist, qualitative, 4201 Allied Health and Rehabilitation Science, 42 Health Sciences, 8.1 Organisation and delivery of services, 7.1 Individual care needs, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Rehabilitation
Source
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, ISSN: 0959-3985 (Print); 1532-5040 (Online), Taylor and Francis Group, ahead-of-print, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2026.2663294
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© 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.