'PhysioDirect' telephone assessment and advice services for physiotherapy: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Providing timely access to physiotherapy has long been a problem for the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. In an attempt to improve access some physiotherapy services have introduced a new treatment pathway known as PhysioDirect. Physiotherapists offer initial assessment and advice by telephone, supported by computerised algorithms, and patients are sent written self-management and exercise advice by post. They are invited for face-to-face treatment only when necessary. Although several such services have been developed, there is no robust evidence regarding clinical and cost-effectiveness, nor the acceptability of PhysioDirect.

Citation

(2009). 'PhysioDirect' telephone assessment and advice services for physiotherapy: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Services Research, 136 -?. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-9-136

• Acceptance Date: Aug 3, 2009
• Publication Date: Aug 3, 2009
• Journal: BMC Health Services Research
• Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 136 -?
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-9-136
• Keywords: physiotherapy, referral and consultation
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/403401