Author(s): OSIN, C., SADLER, I., CROZIER, C., GRAVES, L., DAWSON, E., MILLER, G., NAYLOR, L., GREEN, D., ASKEW, C., JONES, H., Institution: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1222

INTRODUCTION:
Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) are recognised healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom (UK) and are registered through the Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS). Their practice is guided by the Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) standards outlined in the scope of practice [1] and the accompanying curriculum framework [2]. This study aimed to identify and reach consensus on the key knowledge and skills of a UK CEP.
METHODS:
Two phases, (i) a scoping review, (ii) a modified, 1-round Delphi survey were utilised. Key requirements were identified from analysis of 24 studies in the scoping review, and the current UK CEP standards and training documents. The survey contained CEP knowledge and skills (n=58), health conditions that a CEP should be able to work with (n=15), and healthcare professions that a CEP should understand the roles and expertise of (n=9). Academics (n=26), healthcare professionals (n=25), CEPs (n=10), service managers (n=6), and researchers (n=4) were identified through purposive sampling (university websites, and databases of exercise rehabilitation services), public advertisement through social media, and snowball sampling. A 1-to-5 rating Likert scale was completed by participants based on the importance of each component for a CEP to practice effectively in the UK.
RESULTS:
n=58 of the 71 participants identified (82%) completed the survey. All knowledge and skills identified from the scoping review and the CEP-UK and AHCS standards and training documents (n=58) were accepted, with those in clinical practice (99.7%) deemed the most important and those in behaviour change and communication (82.7%) the least important. n=12 of the 15 health conditions identified (80%) were accepted, with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases (100%) being the most important and eating disorders (54%) the least important. All healthcare professions (n=9) were accepted, with specialist exercise instructors (100%) being the most important and podiatrists (73%) the least important.
CONCLUSION:
The final consensus list contains 58 key knowledge and skills, 12 health conditions and 9 healthcare professions that are important for CEPs to work effectively in UK healthcare. This list shows that the current CEP-UK curriculum framework is fit for purpose. Further, this could contribute to future iterations of the framework, and form the bedrock of a growing workforce in the UK.

1. Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (2022a) The Scope of Practice for a UK Clinical Exercise Physiologist [online]
Available at: https://www.clinicalexercisephysiology.org.uk/application-resources
[Accessed: 22nd January 2024]
2. Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (2022b) Clinical Exercise Physiology Curriculum Framework Statement [online]
Available at: https://www.clinicalexercisephysiology.org.uk/msc-degree-accreditation
[Accessed: 22nd January 2024]