Prescribing in Physiotherapy for Pain
Prescribing in Physiotherapy for Pain: A Current and Emerging Role[edit | edit source]
Introduction[edit | edit source]
With changing demographics, higher expectations and an increase in long term conditions (Department of Health, 2012) there is an heightened pressure and demand on the NHS. To meet these demands the roles within the NHS have had to change and expand.
As recently as 2013, physiotherapists in England have been granted the right to independently prescribe, giving them the ability to prescribe drugs, including some controlled drugs. These prescriptions must be used “within the overarching framework of human movement, performance and function” (NHS England Publications, 2013)
With these new responsibilities that are becoming a part of a physiotherapist’s remit, this page looks to explore prescribing as a physiotherapist. It also looks to provide information around their scope and responsibilities for prescribing for pain that impacts specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist’s areas of expertise.
Audience:
The resource was produced for use by Band 5 physiotherapists to understand the role the profession plays in prescribing medicines. It may be of benefit to other health professionals seeking knowledge. A case study will be included with a self assessment section, which can be used to check understanding after each section''
Abbreviations[edit | edit source]
Learning Outcomes[edit | edit source]
LO1. – The learner will able to complete the case study questions to demonstrate an understanding of prescribing within physiotherapy.
LO2. – the learner will be able to distinguish the scope of practice for non-prescribers, supplementary prescribers and independent prescribers within physiotherapy.
LO3. - The learner will be able to comprehend the process of how to become an independent and supplementary prescriber.
LO4. – The learner will be able to describe the effects & side effects of common groups of pain medication, and the role they have to play in patient centred care. Also, they should be able to provide general advice at a band 5 level for pain.
LO5. - The learner will be able to evaluate the effect of prescribing on the current and future role of physiotherapists.
