{
  "abstract": "Background The Scottish Government is committed to increasing advanced practitioners within the NHS to meet the needs of an aging, multimorbid population. The role of the advanced practice physiotherapist (APP) has evolved since its introduction, with evidence to support improved service efficiency and multidisciplinary team (MDT) working. Heart Failure (HF) is a complex, chronic disease where MDT management is a gold standard recommendation. Despite evidence highlighting the value that advanced practice has in reducing hospitalisation rates and mortality, current literature reveals the absence of APPs in this field.Aim This study aimed to explore health care professional’s experiences of and perspectives on a unique APP role within a HF team.Methods A purposive sample of cardiology outpatient healthcare professionals from nursing, physiotherapy, and medicine was recruited. Nine participants completed semi-structured online interviews between November 2024-January 2025. Qualitative data collection and analysis was conducted concurrently with interviews recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke. 1 Results Analysis generated two main themes, 1) Perceptions of the APP and 2) The Impact on Clinical Practice. Respondents reported that this role enabled closer collaboration between cardiac rehabilitation and HF teams by improving communication. They described enhanced efficiency and effectiveness with timely and appropriate referrals into cardiac rehabilitation programmes whilst simultaneously easing workforce pressure. This new position was perceived to be potentially transformational when compared to the traditional model of a HF MDT, as some respondents commented on the holistic management provided and the strong therapeutic relationship observed.Conclusion Evidence supports APPs in the wider physiotherapy profession. Further research is required in specialist areas such as cardiology. Based on this small-scale service evaluation, APPs may be perceived as valuable members of the HF MDT. However, to enhance these results and fully understand this role, patient perceptions should be investigated.References Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology [Internet]. 2006 Jan [cited 2024 Nov 03];3(2):77–101. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Heart Failure Service, NHS Forth Valley, Larbert, FK5 4WL, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Kirsty Hughes"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sean Paul Carroll"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P23 Exploring cardiology multidisciplinary team perceptions of an advanced physiotherapy role in heart failure: a qualitative service evaluation",
  "uid": "10b760ad-fef5-5c7a-a619-8eed5f08b201"
}