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Agreeing priority categories and items for inclusion in a future best practice delegation framework for musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy services: A consensus groups study

Sarigiovannis, P.; Foster, N.E.; Jowett, S.; Saunders, B.

Authors

P. Sarigiovannis

N.E. Foster

S. Jowett



Abstract

Purpose
Delegation of clinical tasks from physiotherapists to physiotherapy support workers varies considerably in musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy services leading to variation in patient care. This study aimed to develop consensus amongst physiotherapists, support workers and managers about what components should be included in a future framework to guide effective and safe delegation of clinical tasks to physiotherapy support workers in United Kingdom's National Health Service musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy services.

Methods
A consensus study was carried out, using Nominal Group Technique. Seven physiotherapists, ten physiotherapy support workers and ten physiotherapy operational/clinical leads from 13 musculoskeletal physiotherapy services within United Kingdom's National Health Service were recruited through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's professional networks and social media. Three separate, role-specific consensus groups were convened, involving participants generating, discussing and rating on a Likert scale, components for inclusion in a future delegation framework.

Results
32 out of 38 generated items reached consensus of ≥70%, i.e. a mean of ≥4.9 on a 7-point Likert scale, across the three groups. Items were grouped under five main categories: 1) training/Continuous Professional Development for physiotherapists and support workers; 2) need for a clear delegation process; 3) competencies 4) defining the role of support workers and 5) safety net.

Conclusion
Key stakeholder groups were able to reach consensus on five priority areas which will be developed into a best practice framework to standardise delegation and guide physiotherapists when delegating clinical tasks to support workers.

Citation

Sarigiovannis, P., Foster, N., Jowett, S., & Saunders, B. (2024). Agreeing priority categories and items for inclusion in a future best practice delegation framework for musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy services: A consensus groups study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 72, Article 102977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102977

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 16, 2024
Online Publication Date May 21, 2024
Publication Date 2024-08
Deposit Date May 28, 2024
Journal Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
Print ISSN 2468-7812
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 72
Article Number 102977
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102977
Keywords Musculoskeletal physiotherapy; Delegation; Support workers; Skill mix; Consensus; Nominal group technique
Public URL https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/833054
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468781224000729?via%3Dihub