Physiotherapy at the emergency center
In this project, physiotherapy care for patients with musculoskeletal complaints was introduced and analyzed at the University Emergency Center of Bern University Hospital.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
- Duration (planned) 31.10.2021 - 30.12.2022
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schmitt
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Project staff
Balz Ronald Winteler
Prof. Dr. Anja Raab - Keywords physiotherapy, emergency department, advanced practice physiotherapy
Situation
The University Clinic for Emergency Medicine at Bern University Hospital (Inselspital) treats a large number of patients with musculoskeletal complaints.
Course of action
A pilot project has developed a new service for emergency physiotherapy care.
Result
The patients treated during the pilot study mainly suffered from back pain. The physiotherapists' interventions included taking a medical history, performing manual tests and multimodal treatments, and developing recommendations for subsequent treatment. No medical imaging was prescribed for 59% of patients and no additional physiotherapy was prescribed for 58%. The patients rated the physiotherapy services as very good or excellent. The therapists were viewed positively and appreciated by the other healthcare professionals. Based on these results, the physiotherapy services offered at the emergency center were made a regular part of operations. Since then, patients with primarily musculoskeletal complaints have been referred to a physiotherapist at an early stage.
Looking ahead
The new model of care is being evaluated as part of a current dissertation, with a particular focus on effectiveness, appropriateness, and health economic aspects.
