Welsh therapists have this week launched an initiative to highlight both the cost-effectiveness and the patient benefits that can occur from physiotherapy.

Representatives from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) aim to highlight the effectiveness of treatment from traditional disorders such as musculoskeletal conditions, to more diverse afflictions such a dementia and urinary incontinence.

The CSP will be holding an event this week to showcase its 10 evidence-based Physiotherapy Works briefings, which provide information on the costs of conditions and the contribution of physiotherapy. These briefings include information on the following:

• Musculoskeletal disorders – Specifically, the focus will be on the success of self-referral trials. An analysis of self-referral in Scotland found that the average cost of an episode of care was £95.48 for a self-referral compared to £126.17 for a GP referral
• Urinary incontinence – Studies comparing pelvic floor muscle training to medications has shown the training which physiotherapists can deliver is cheaper and more clinically effective
• Fragility fractures and falls – Studies have shown that etween 1998 and 2008 there was a 32% reduction in patients admitted to hospital due to falls in the home, 27% in falls in residential homes and of 40% in street falls. Over the same period hip fractures decreased by 3.6%
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A 26% reduction in hospital re-admission has been found as a result of pulmonary rehabilitation delivered post-COPD
• Critical care – It has been suggested physiotherapy treatment (as part of a multidisciplinary approach) is integral to promoting lung function, reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, facilitating weaning and promoting safe and early discharge from the intensive care unit

The CSP state the intention of the event is to showcase the contribution of physiotherapy in conjunction with the part played in multi-agency and multidisciplinary teamwork.

“As well as clinical effectiveness, services need to be able to demonstrate cost effectiveness but in ways that benefit patients” a spokesperson said.

Original Source Wales Online

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