Effectiveness of PhysioDirect telephone assessment and advice services for patients with musculoskeletal problems: pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the clinical effectiveness, effect on waiting times, and patient acceptability of PhysioDirect services in patients with musculoskeletal problems, compared with usual care.

Design

Pragmatic randomised controlled trial to assess equivalence in clinical effectiveness. Patients were individually randomised in a 2:1 ratio to PhysioDirect or usual care.

Setting

Four physiotherapy services in England.

Participants

Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) referred by general practitioners or self referred for musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Interventions

PhysioDirect services invited patients to telephone a physiotherapist for initial assessment and advice, followed by face-to-face physiotherapy if necessary. Usual care involved patients joining a waiting l

SUBMITTER: Salisbury C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3558547 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature