Interprofessional practice – the exercise landscape

Question 1

Who are the other professionals in the exercise space?

Answer 1

Exercise Physiologists
• Exercise Scientists
• Personal Trainers
• Instructors or trainers (gym, yoga, pilates, crossfit etc)
• Coaches
• Many other professionals provide advice and education around exercise (occupational therapists, nursing, medical professionals).

Question 2

Accredited Exercise Physiologist (EP)

Answer 2

an accredited exercise physiologist is a registered health professional who delivers:
• exercise
• lifestyle and
• behaviour modification programs
for the prevention and management of health conditions
Conditions include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health problems, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoporosis.
They hold a 4 year degree (or equivalent).

Question 3

Where do AEP’s work?

Answer 3

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation settings (physical, psychological, drug and alcohol)
• Aged care
• Private practices
• Insurance companies, work cover, department of veteran affairs

Question 4

Exercise Scientist

Answer 4

deal with high risk population
Designs, implements and evaluates exercise and physical activity for healthy people, including programs for improving general health, the prevention of chronic diseases, health promotion and enhanced sports performance.
They complete a 3 year undergraduate degree in exercise & sports science.

Question 5

How do Physiotherapists and AEP’s work

together?

Answer 5

• Directly together in the same setting with the same client or group (hospital, rehabilitation setting)
• Indirectly working together to manage a client together in different ways
• AEP may refer a client to Physiotherapy
• We may refer a client to an AEP

Question 6

When might a Physio refer a client to an AEP?

Answer 6

• If I think that the client who has a clinical condition would benefit from a structured, exercise program
• If I don’t have the setting, space, equipment or consultation structure to facilitate exercise prescription
• If the client is returning to sport, function or tasks that are outside of my exercise scope.

Question 7

When might an AEP refer to a Physio?

Answer 7

• If the client has an injury or is experiencing pain
• If the client has a balance or neurological condition that requires assessment and management
- Needs close assessment, diagnosis, not in acute phase but had some flare ups

Question 8

Advantages of working in a team for exercise

Answer 8

• Improved patient outcomes and increased safety - patients with chronic mental illnesses, have more motivation
more people increases safety
• Increased professional satisfaction
• Client receives consistent messages regarding their health for more motivation and accountability
• We learn from each other
• Motivating to work toward a common goal - more motivated from hearing it from a variety of people

Question 9

What do I consider when thinking about referring

Answer 9

The clients goals
• The benefit they would receive from exercise (what their condition is)
• The accessibility to an exercise professional (location and cost)
• Other risk factors that they have which may benefit from formal exercise interventions (diabetes, cancer, weight, psychological).

Question 10

What is important about communicating with other professionals in this space?

Answer 10

• Asking the client about regular and/or formal exercise that they undertake
• Working with the client to find ways in which they can continue this exercise and participation when managing their condition
• Staying within our scope and knowing the scope of others
• Be specific, suggest or recommend modifications to the clients plan while understanding my scope - consider patient’s goals and help them to continue exercise
• Keep professional, and document any communication