Extended roles in primary care when physiotherapist-initiated referral to X-ray can save time and reduce costs

Author:

Peterson Gunnel12ORCID,PortstrÖm Marie3,Frick Jens4

Affiliation:

1. Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Sveavägen, entré 9, Eskilstuna SE-631 88, Sweden

2. Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Institutionen för hälsa, medicin och vår, Hus 511-001, Linköping SE-581 83, Sweden

3. Division Primary Care, Region Sörmland, Repslagaregatan 19, Nyköping SE-611 88, Sweden

4. Division Medical Service, Department of Radiology, Region Sörmland, Repslagaregatan 19, Nyköping SE-611 88, Sweden

Abstract

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate an extended role for the physiotherapist in primary care in referring patients to plain X-ray. Methods This prospective cohort study was set in a single region in Sweden. It included 20 physiotherapists who were educated in a 1-day training in performing referral to X-ray, along with 107 patients with musculoskeletal disorders who were referred to X-ray. We evaluated referral quality and patient and physiotherapist satisfaction and calculated healthcare and patient costs. Results All referrals fulfilled the basic requirements of quality, and 78% were classified as good, fulfilling all criteria. Both patients and physiotherapists were satisfied with the extended role for the physiotherapist that decreased the waiting time to diagnosis and to adequate treatment. Costs were reduced for patients (by €53/patient) and healthcare (by €6286.2/107 patients). The cost to visit a physician was twice that of a physiotherapist visit. Conclusions An extended role for physiotherapists in primary care in referring patients to X-ray was effective and safe for patients and reduced costs for patients and for healthcare. Physiotherapists in primary care were able to refer patients to X-ray after a 1 day of training, and the extended role freed up 45 min of physician time for each patient with a musculoskeletal disorder in need of an X-ray.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Health Policy,General Medicine

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