RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has welcomed the policy decision to permit physiotherapists to refer patients for medical radiological procedures, and the progress made in implementing this important new measure which will make it quicker for patients to access a diagnosis and begin their treatment.

Physiotherapist referral for medical radiological procedures results in fewer health professionals being involved in the patient pathway. At present, physiotherapists with advanced training can refer their patients for radiological investigations, such as X-ray, in several jurisdictions including England, Sweden, Canada and New Zealand. 

Physiotherapists in Ireland will soon be invited to undertake advanced training which will allow them to refer their patients for radiological procedures. Initially, clinical specialist physiotherapists working in roles in specific clinical areas in the HSE are being invited to train for the authority to refer. In early 2025, application to the training programmes will then be opened more widely.

Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head of the RCSI School of Physiotherapy, said: “This is an important development which will lead to efficiencies in the patient pathway and reduce barriers to effective treatment for a range of musco-skeletal conditions.

“The evidence from the countries which already permit physiotherapist referral for radiological procedures is positive, with no serious adverse events reported and with many advantages for the patient and the health system,” added Professor McDonough. 

An Expert Working Group was established in March 2024 to support the development and implementation of this policy. The group includes representation from Department of Health, Health Service Executive, CORU, UCD and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Established in 1999, the RCSI School of Physiotherapy aims to educate professionally safe, competent, reflective and analytical physiotherapists.