Re-imagining the role of the physiotherapist when managing people with long-term conditions

Hartley, SE (2019) Re-imagining the role of the physiotherapist when managing people with long-term conditions. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 35 (11). pp. 1005-1014. ISSN 0959-3985

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Abstract

The rising prevalence of long-term conditions (LTCs) is placing increasing pressures on healthcare systems. With the future prospect that more individuals will experience multiple co-morbidities, LTCs are becoming a growing concern. This article aims to discuss the challenges faced by and the opportunities afforded to physiotherapists when caring for people with LTCs. It highlights the complexity of managing people with LTCs and the demands faced by physiotherapists when working within a transitioning healthcare service that necessitates cost-effective yet, sustainable care. It considers ways that interventions can be optimised to not only support individuals with LTCs to improve their quality of life, but to live an existence that has meaning and purpose. It also explores health promotion strategies that could be influential in changing the future healthcare landscape, by helping to prevent the occurrence of LTCs. The wider intention is to facilitate discussion on the future role of the physiotherapy profession in LTC management, in the hope that a shared vision can be created that is inspiring and transformative. One that imagines a physiotherapy service that is resilient to change and contemporary in approach, which continues to evolve to support the changing needs of people with LTCs.