A rapid review and expert identification of the Allied Health Professions’ interventions as a contribution to public health outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In preparation for the Public Health England Impact Assessment of the 2014 AHP Public Health Strategy a follow up rapid literature review was commissioned. The aim was to identify primary studies in which Allied Health Professionals (AHP) contribute to public health outcomes, based on UK research evidence. This review was used to inform further UK policy and implementation for AHPs in the UK via Public Health England.

METHODS: A rapid mixed methods review was conducted, limiting the selection of studies to those published after December 2014 and recognising the same 12 Allied Health Professions that were used in the previous review. The rapid review included all age groups and patient populations but limited the searches to studies that reflected UK AHP practices and research outcomes. The literature search included title, abstract and full-text screening with data extraction of selected papers. A nominal group method invited expert AHPs to review and select the interventions for potential impact at population level.

RESULTS: 11 selected articles were grouped into two areas of interventions; health intervention/public health and secondary prevention/health improvement, based on the Public Health England Strategic Framework. AHP interventions were effective for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Osteoarthritis and specifically used to manage musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. frozen shoulder). AHPs leading vocational rehabilitation and falls management were also effective. These areas were additional to those previously identified and represented some additional specialist activity undertaken to affect health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study also contributed to the UK AHP Public Health Strategic Framework 2019-2024 by appraising the UK evidence and impact of some AHP practices. Further improvement is required; for AHPs to measure the impact of their interventions which would demonstrate evidence of outcomes at population level.