Recognising advanced practice roles in allied health

The healthcare sector is experiencing critical workforce shortages. Despite improved access to care, cost savings and clinician retention, the sustainable implementation of advanced practice roles in allied health remains limited.

We propose developing a scalable, evidence-informed blueprint for training, credentialling and recognising advanced allied health roles. This project builds on the implementation of a novel ICU Advanced Scope of Practice Physiotherapy role at Austin Health, currently being evaluated within a PhD program.

By partnering with professional bodies such as the Australian College of Physiotherapy and College of Intensive Care Medicine, this initiative will create a replicable framework to support formal recognition of allied health advanced practice across the Victorian health system aligning directly with Department of Health workforce reform priorities. This will support workforce mobility and unlock the potential of an underutilised, highly skilled workforce.

MacHSR will provide mentoring, access to health services research expertise and networking crucial to begin recognising advanced practice roles at a health system level. Achieving sector wide credentialing will benefit both patients and health services through improved access to expert allied health clinicians.