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The role of extended scope physiotherapists in managing patients with inflammatory arthropathies: a systematic review Full Text
Open Access Rheumatology: Research and Reviews, 06/01/2012
Evidence Based Medicine
Stanhope J et al. – There are descriptors of extended scope of practice (ESP) physiotherapy activities, but no evidence of effectiveness of ESP physiotherapy in managing patients with inflammatory arthropathies.
Methods- A comprehensive library database search was conducted to identify English language studies published in full text in peer–reviewed journals during the years 2002–2012.
- Studies were allocated into the National Health and Medical Research Council hierarchy of evidence, but were not critically appraised.
- Data was extracted on conditions treated, ESP roles and responsibilities, and effectiveness.
- Data was analyzed and reported descriptively.
- The authors identified 123 studies, and included four.
- All were low hierarchy (highest being one level III_2 study).
- Commonly reported conditions were rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Information was provided on activities of role extension, such as triaging patients, monitoring and recommending changes to medications, referring to other health and medical professionals, and ordering and interpreting imaging.
- There was blurring between ESP and non–ESP roles.
- No study reported measures of effectiveness.