Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice: The patient journey and experience.
Health services accessibility
Musculoskeletal disorders
Orthopaedics
Patient satisfaction
Physical therapy speciality
Triage
Journal
Musculoskeletal science & practice
ISSN: 2468-7812
Titre abrégé: Musculoskelet Sci Pract
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 101692753
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
02 2020
02 2020
Historique:
received:
19
08
2019
revised:
16
10
2019
accepted:
28
10
2019
pubmed:
16
11
2019
medline:
30
6
2021
entrez:
16
11
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
As many patients referred to orthopaedic and rheumatology services do not require medical or surgical interventions, advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) have been introduced into hospital services to triage the care of these patients. Patient perspectives are critical to review the acceptance of this model of care and potential for expansion into primary care. This study aimed to explore the clinical journeys, and the experiences and perceptions of patients attending APP services. Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with patients across two hospital sites, with narrative data subjected to a thematic analysis. MSK journeys were mapped via medical chart and interview data, with surveys collecting demographics. Patient journeys involved multiple contact points and some duplication in MSK health services. Overall, experiences of the APP service were positive, with faster access into the hospital system and patients valued the interpersonal and professional skills of the APP. Having already attended a physiotherapist, some patients did have a preconception of what the APP could offer them. However, initial concerns were mitigated following the APP appointment, as the APP had extensive MSK knowledge. Hospitals remained the preferred location for MSK appointments due to availability of diagnostics and 'specialists', and close proximity of the doctor. Patients were positive about the new MSK APP service and benefits related to shorter wait times and seeing a specialist who listened and involved them in their management. However, a cultural shift regarding patient perceptions of the 'specialists' in hospitals and the role of a physiotherapist is required.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
As many patients referred to orthopaedic and rheumatology services do not require medical or surgical interventions, advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) have been introduced into hospital services to triage the care of these patients. Patient perspectives are critical to review the acceptance of this model of care and potential for expansion into primary care. This study aimed to explore the clinical journeys, and the experiences and perceptions of patients attending APP services.
METHOD
Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with patients across two hospital sites, with narrative data subjected to a thematic analysis. MSK journeys were mapped via medical chart and interview data, with surveys collecting demographics.
RESULTS
Patient journeys involved multiple contact points and some duplication in MSK health services. Overall, experiences of the APP service were positive, with faster access into the hospital system and patients valued the interpersonal and professional skills of the APP. Having already attended a physiotherapist, some patients did have a preconception of what the APP could offer them. However, initial concerns were mitigated following the APP appointment, as the APP had extensive MSK knowledge. Hospitals remained the preferred location for MSK appointments due to availability of diagnostics and 'specialists', and close proximity of the doctor.
CONCLUSION
Patients were positive about the new MSK APP service and benefits related to shorter wait times and seeing a specialist who listened and involved them in their management. However, a cultural shift regarding patient perceptions of the 'specialists' in hospitals and the role of a physiotherapist is required.
Identifiants
pubmed: 31731056
pii: S2468-7812(19)30394-7
doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.102077
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
102077Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Declaration of competing interest None to declare.