CSP welcomes new AHP critical care capability framework

The Intensive Care Society’s new framework highlights the expertise, experience and contributions of five AHP professions in critical care - physiotherapists, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, speech and language therapists and dietitians.

The CSP contributed to its development, and it was designed in collaboration with four other professional bodies, with input from over 65 clinical experts and advisors, relevant AHP students and people with lived experience.

CSP member Gabriella Cork, who is a lecturer in physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool, was the physiotherapy lead for developing the framework.

She led a panel of experienced critical care clinicians, as they worked together to co-write the content and ensure it reflected best clinical practices.

The panel’s thorough developmental process resulted in the first set of physiotherapy-specific clinical capabilities for critical care, which, as Gabriella explains, now provides a valuable resource for physiotherapy staff who work in this area:

‘The capabilities framework is relevant to all physiotherapists and support workers who work within and beyond critical care.

The aim is to provide visible career pathways for physiotherapists working in this area, as well as to highlight the unique contribution that physiotherapists make to the patient journey during and following critical illness

‘It is recommended that the framework is used by all grades of physiotherapists and associates who work with critically ill patients, to identify their learning needs and shape their professional development.’

Gabriella added that, along with clinical capabilities, the framework also covers leadership, education, and research in critical care, all aligned with national standards, and it serves as an essential foundation for appraisals and CPD activities for critical care clinicians.

Structured career development guidance

The AHP Critical Care Capability Framework is designed to work across six nationally recognised levels of practice - supportive, assistive, foundation, enhanced, advanced and consultant - and provides visible opportunities for career progression and learning and education.

It is also aligned with existing national frameworks, including the Intensive Care Society’s AHP Critical Care Professional Development Framework.

Reena Patel, CSP’s assistant director of workforce and education, said: ‘The CSP are delighted to be endorsing the new framework.

'As a member of the steering group, I commend the project team for the robustness of their methodological approach and stakeholder engagement.

Whilst it offers structured career development guidance through the lens of critical care physiotherapy practice, it also pays important attention to the pillars of education, research and leadership as part of the career development pathway

‘My thanks to all CSP members who have contributed to this significant piece of work.’

Find out more and access the new AHP Critical Care Capability Framework