Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has confirmed that key steps to allow physiotherapists to refer patients for investigations have been taken. These steps enable physiotherapists working in relevant roles across the health service to refer patients for diagnostic investigations such as X-rays.
A total of 200 physiotherapists will have completed the training in University College Dublin (UCD) by the end of 2025. The development of this training programme is funded by the Department of Health through the Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund (SIIF).
Both CORU AND HIQA have a role in the setting of standards required for physiotherapist referral for diagnostic procedures through their respective remit. Hospitals and services facilitating referrals also have a key role to ensure that governance arrangements are in place to support this new practice.
Ther Department of Health said that optimisation of health services through reform and supporting healthcare professionals to deliver effective and efficient patient care is a priority for the Minister for Health. Designating appropriately trained physiotherapists to refer patients for radiological procedures will result in fewer steps in the care of patients who require diagnostics.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said, “I am pleased that trained physiotherapists can now refer patients for x-rays and other radiological tests. This is a big step forward and will make patient care more efficient. I also want to thank everyone in the health service for their teamwork and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for patients.”
Currently, physiotherapists can refer for radiological investigations, including X-rays, in several jurisdictions including England, Sweden, Canada and New Zealand. The evidence base has identified many advantages for the patient and the health care service and does not identify any serious adverse events reported following referral for radiological medical procedures by physiotherapists with advanced training.
