The role of the professions in self-referral physiotherapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the role of the professions in the implementation of self-referral physiotherapy as an alternative to GP care: A qualitative study
IRAS ID
200346
Contact name
Pip Logan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
UK general practice is under ever increasing pressure as a result of austerity from the financial crisis in 2008 (Karanikolos et al., 2013), the increasing demands of the acknowledged ageing population (Office for National Statistics, 2015, Oliver, 2014), and the recruitment and retention challenges facing GPs (National Audit Office, 2015, Centre for Workforce Intelligence, 2014).
Self-referral physiotherapy is where a patient can refer directly to see a physiotherapist without recourse to a doctor. Self-referral physiotherapy is an established practice (Hussenbux et al., 2015b, Joseph et al., 2014) with a body of evidence demonstrating efficacy (Hussenbux et al., 2015b, Joseph et al., 2014, Holdsworth and Webster, 2004). However, despite this evidence, self-referral remains the exception rather than the rule with implementation sporadic.
The relevance of the agenda for the implementation of self-referral physiotherapy is evident nationally as patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) related conditions are estimated to comprise up to 30% of a GPs workload (Hussenbux et al., 2015a, McCormack et al., 1995.).
The question as to why, when faced with this evidence, self-referral physiotherapy for patients with MSK related is not more widespread is an important one.
Previous research suggests that one issue could be issues related to the ‘professions’. Surveys in the UK and abroad have identified professional issues as one of the most mentioned barriers to the successful implementation of self-referral physiotherapy (Bury and Stokes, 2013a, Bury and Stokes, 2013b, Swinkels et al., 2014).
This study intends to explore these professionally related issues through a qualitative methodology from the perspectives of health care professionals involved in the delivery of self-referral physiotherapy services (GPs and physiotherapists) along with those who both purchase (Commissioners) and use (Patients) the service.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0618
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion