Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are fully qualified and registered clinicians such as (Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists and Pharmacists) who have undertaken additional training at Master’s degree level or equivalent. They are expected to appropriately and competently examine patients’ who present with complex and undiagnosed medical issues and work within their scope of practice. They are able to request and interpret investigations including blood tests and scans, prescribe appropriate medications and refer to specialists and other health professionals when appropriate. Depending on area of interest, some ACP’s are experts in long-term disease management such as Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma. ACPs work autonomously and independently and will often see patients for ongoing episodes of care without directly involving the GPs. However, they will seek their advice and guidance if needed. Currently, there are some roles which ACP do not cover such as the care of pregnant women (only for referral to abortion clinics) and seeing or consulting with patients on active End of Life (EoL) care. In addition to the above exclusions, some ACPs might have individual exclusion due to their clinical background, specialty and competency. For example, currently in Temple Hill Group, ACPs do not routinely see patient’s under the age of 2 years. They also do not interpret electrocardiograms. The scope of practice can be extended following training, self-directed study, peer review discussions and observing best practice. This should be documented and evidenced in the clinician’s portfolio. If you have any questions about this role, please contact the surgery. |