Emergency department primary contact physiotherapists improve patient flow for musculoskeletal patients

Abstract

Aims: To determine if primary contact physiotherapists (PCPs) in the emergency department (ED) improve patient flow while providing management comparable to doctors for musculoskeletal patients. Methodology: Prospective observational design comparing PCPs to doctor treatment of musculoskeletal patients. Participants: 559 ED patients-275 patients treated by a PCP and 284 by a doctor. Measures: The primary outcome measure was wait time. Secondary outcomes were total length of stay, patient satisfaction, recovery and follow-up, re-presentations and adverse events. Results: The median wait time for patients managed by a PCP was statistically significantly shorter than for patients managed by a d..