Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1245. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what steps have been taken to date to establish the grade of advanced practice physiotherapist, following his commitment to do so at a conference 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/24]
View answerHealth and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) work autonomously in 26 different professional disciplines in therapy, diagnostic and psycho-social domains through the lifespan in both acute and community settings. This includes Physiotherapists.
The HSE National HSCP Office published the HSCP Advanced Practice Framework in 2023. It defines Advanced Practice, as adapted from the NHS England Health Education England definition for Advanced Practice from the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (2017). Establishing advanced practice roles is of importance for the retention of highly trained and skilled HSCP across the health service.
The Chief Health & Social Care Professional Officer was appointed to the Department of Health in May 2023 to have the specialist knowledge required for policy development in this area. The development of an evidence-based policy is progressing, with work underway by officials in the Department of Health, in collaboration with the HSE National HSCP office.
The policy will build on the definition of the intended roles as outlined in the HSE Framework and place them in the wider context of the vision of Sláintecare. It will align with the current and emerging population health needs to ensure improved patient care and measurable outcomes, initially targeting identified health service priority areas where significant challenges with access to care exists. Consideration must be given to the most appropriate regulatory framework for the Irish context, education and training, grades and legislative changes if necessary.
The Department met with HSE Clinical Design and Innovation and National Lead for Integrated Care in November 2023, in regard to the implementation of this policy decision in clinical services.
The Policy Oversight Group was established in November 2023, consisting of representatives of relevant units in the Department. It will provide high level guidance and governance on the development of the Policy.
