Table 2.

Extended scope physiotherapist specialist education program

	Action	Content
Time frame	Overall duration	1–2 years
	Duration in hrs.	602–818 h
Modules	Theoretical	• Clinical examination and diagnostic tests
		• Common differential diagnoses
		• Types of and indications for surgery
		• Evaluation of x-rays
		• Education in ultrasound imaging
		• Reporting in medical records
	Practical	• Sit-in during examination program. 4 days with an OS and 2 days with an ESP
		• Observation of 6–7 different kinds of surgery at the operating room
		• One year of practical training examining at least 400 patients in the shoulder clinic
Graduation	Completion of modules	Documented completion of the theoretical and practical courses
	Written exam	A written exam has to be passed
	Individual evaluation	The orthopaedic surgeon in charge of the education program evaluates the skills of the physiotherapist. In order to pass, the physiotherapist must be considered capable of: • Diagnosing common disorders of the shoulder and elbow using clinical examination, ultrasound imaging and evaluation of x-rays
		• Identifying common differential diagnoses
		• Initiating relevant and correct imaging
		• Initiating relevant and correct physiotherapy
		• Deciding whether consulting an orthopaedic surgeon is appropriate
		• Writing a correct medical report
		• Performing a postoperative follow-up on patients with an uncomplicated clinical pathway