| Sumario: | Background: Advanced scope physiotherapy roles are well established in musculoskeletal and emergency department settings and have been shown to reduce wait times and costs with high patient satisfaction. Advanced scope physiotherapy roles in pelvic health are still in the early stages of development and implementation and do not have a well-defined scope of practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate clinician and pelvic health service profiles, and the scope of practice of pelvic health physiotherapists and advanced scope physiotherapists working in the public health sector in Australia. Methods: Pelvic health physiotherapists were invited to complete an anonymous online survey between 13 September 2023 and 17 November 2023. Recruitment was via social media, the Australian Physiotherapy Association e-newsletter, and researcher networking. Responses were analysed descriptively. Results: Ninety-nine responses were obtained nationwide, with 20 respondents (21.5%) currently working as an advanced scope physiotherapist. Non-advanced scope and advanced scope physiotherapists all had considerable postgraduate training and clinical experience. Minimum qualifications, experience, and competency requirements of advanced scope physiotherapists varied. Advanced scope physiotherapists had more autonomy in decision making and/or action for elements that may be considered advanced practice compared to non-advanced scope physiotherapists; however, levels of autonomy for both groups was low. Conclusions: The results of this study support the need for a national competency framework and nationally recognised standards for advanced scope physiotherapy roles specific to pelvic health. The results may help inform the establishment of future pelvic health advanced scope physiotherapy roles where there is a recognised need. Advanced scope pelvic health physiotherapy roles are not as well established compared to other physiotherapy areas and do not have a well-defined scope of practice. This study found Australia's public health sector has a highly experienced and trained pelvic health physiotherapist workforce, yet advanced practice roles were limited, advanced scope pelvic health physiotherapists had low levels of autonomy, and standards were inconsistent. Results support the need for a national competency framework and recognised standards for advanced scope pelvic health physiotherapy.
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