Establishment of clinical exercise physiology as a regulated healthcare profession in the UK: a progress report

Jones, H ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8282-1459, Crozier, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5444-397X, George, K, Miller, G, Whyte, GP, Rycroft, J, Scott, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1478-8962, Buckley, JP ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6235-3395, McGregor, G, Askew, CD, Jack, S, Birkett, S, Broom, DR ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0305-937X, Tolfrey, K, Campbell, A, Skelton, DA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6223-9840, Steenkamp, L, Savage, J and Green, DJ (2024) Establishment of clinical exercise physiology as a regulated healthcare profession in the UK: a progress report. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 10 (2). e002033. ISSN 2055-7647

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Abstract

In 2021, a 'call to action' was published to highlight the need for professional regulation of clinical exercise physiologists to be established within UK healthcare systems to ensure patient safety and align training and regulation with other health professions. This manuscript provides a progress report on the actions that Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) has undertaken over the past 4 years, during which time clinical exercise physiologists have implemented regulation and gained formal recognition as healthcare professionals in the UK. An overview of the consultation process involved in creating a regulated health profession, notably the development of policies and procedures for both individual registration and institutional master's degree (MSc) accreditation is outlined. Additionally, the process for developing an industry-recognised scope of practice, a university MSc-level curriculum framework, the Academy for Healthcare Science Practitioner standards of proficiency and Continuing Professional Development opportunities is included. We outline the significant activities and milestones undertaken by CEP-UK and provide insight and clarity for other health professionals to understand the training and registration process for a clinical exercise physiologist in the UK. Finally, we include short, medium and long-term objectives for the future advocacy development of this workforce in the UK.