Study supports bigger role for physiotherapy
A study in the latest Australian Health Review adds further weight to the growing evidence that physiotherapists should have a role in triaging patients with lower back pain to increase efficiency in the health system.
Patients referred by a GP to an orthopedic surgeon wait between six months and two years.
The study found that after an approximately nine week wait, patients were able to see a physiotherapist and most importantly, 67 per cent of those triaged in the physiotherapy led clinic went on to not require an orthopedic surgery consultation.
“With low back pain the principal cause of disability and absenteeism in Australia, it is incumbent upon state and federal governments to use the evidence provided in studies like these to reform the system to provide better health outcomes for these patients,” said APA president Pat Maher.
He also said, “It is particularly timely given the Rudd Government’s rhetoric around improved primary health care and the Federal Health Minister’s comments at the Australian General Practice Network conference last week”
Roxon said, “We need to make sure we redesign health services around the needs of people, and make sure that people can access the right care in the right setting. This idea encompasses three things:
- bringing more services locally
- making sure access is provided to the most suitable health professional
- making sure it is efficient – by ensuring the system supports care provision in the best setting for the need at hand
This research highlights the kinds of improvements the Minister outlined and the APA will continue to work with the government to enable physiotherapists to provide workforce flexibility to achieve similar or better outcomes for patients, at the same or less cost to the taxpayer.
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