Enhancing Physiotherapy Roles for Improved Patient Care

In Quebec, the role of physiotherapists is expanding significantly, allowing them to engage in patient treatment much earlier in the healthcare process. This shift is viewed positively by healthcare professionals, who emphasize that while physicians are crucial, physiotherapists can serve as the initial point of contact to initiate treatment without the delay of waiting for a doctor's appointment.

According to experts, advanced practice physiotherapy, where physiotherapists take on greater responsibilities in patient management and decision-making, is becoming an integral part of frontline healthcare services, similar to the roles of specialized nurse practitioners. This model is especially beneficial in pain management clinics, where patients often face frustratingly long wait times.

One specific example of this model in action is the chronic pain management clinic at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. With a long waiting list and limited resources, healthcare providers sought ways to enhance patient care. The clinic implemented an advanced-practice physiotherapy model, which has been documented in recent research.

The study, published in the journal Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, tracked 65 new patients from late 2018 to 2020. Initially, patients at the clinic were assessed by physiotherapists before seeing a doctor, rather than the traditional approach where a physician's assessment was required first.

This innovative approach resulted in significant reductions in wait times. Patients who saw a physiotherapist first experienced a decrease in the average wait time to consult a health professional from 230 days to just 170 days. The research also indicated that patients reported modest improvements in their clinical conditions, which is crucial for those dealing with chronic and often degenerative health issues.

Moreover, patient satisfaction levels were notably high. The care model emphasized an interdisciplinary approach focusing on education and non-pharmacological methods for managing pain. This strategy aimed to help patients reclaim control over their lives, which they often feel they have lost in the complex healthcare landscape.

Patients assessed by physiotherapists were also able to access the clinic's group education program earlier. This program provides valuable information regarding pain management strategies and the neuroscience underlying pain, making effective treatment more accessible.

The ongoing success of the advanced practice physiotherapy model at the pain clinic illustrates its potential to alleviate some of the burdens on physicians. By allowing physiotherapists to handle cases that primarily require their expertise, doctors can devote more time to managing complex and urgent medical situations, including those involving opioid dependence.

As this model continues to evolve, it presents a promising avenue for enhancing patient care within the healthcare system, demonstrating that integrating physiotherapy early in the treatment process can lead to better outcomes for patients.