First point of contact physiotherapy; a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives First point of contact physiotherapy (FPCP) provides patients direct access to a physiotherapist. Literature demonstrates efficacy of FPCP. Evidence has highlighted the need for cultural shifts from both patient and professional perspectives to optimise FPCP. This study explored stakeholder perceptions of patient awareness and understanding of FPCP to better inform FPCP implementation. Design, setting, participants A qualitative methodology utilised semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Findings from a previous realist review were used to generate a priori topic guides. Participants included patients, physiotherapists, GPs, administration staff, and commissioners. A thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Four themes emerged that are described: level of patient awareness of the FPCP role situated against the GP as first contact practitioner, patients attain an awareness of FPCP from a variety of sources, patient understanding of physiotherapy arises from several sources and is poorly aligned with the FPCP model, characteristics and behaviours of patients influence access to FPCP services. Patient awareness and understanding was poor. Patients tended to view the GP as the default first contact practitioner. Traditional advertising approaches appeared on the whole invisible to patients and there was a reliance on signposting to facilitate patient access. Conclusion Findings from this study can inform implementation of FPCP. Several obstacles to the optimisation of FPCP were highlighted. Improved marketing of physiotherapy generally and FPCP specifically may increase patient awareness and understanding. However, it is likely further time will be required to bring about the cultural shift in public perception required to optimise the potential of FPCP.

Patient acceptability of the physiotherapy first contact practitioner role in primary care: A realist informed qualitative study

“…This study highlighted the importance of receptionists in signposting patients to the FCP role, and the frequent expectation that the GP was the first step for assessment, a finding present in wider evidence (Goodwin et al, 2020). However, receptionists are faced with time challenges, preventing them consistently explaining new consultation methods to patients (Brant et al, 2018).…”

“…However, receptionists are faced with time challenges, preventing them consistently explaining new consultation methods to patients (Brant et al, 2018). Goodwin et al (2020) found that the receptionist role was effective, but only if they understood the aims of the FCP service. Practice B was in a network of Practices that could access the FCP role, and there were inconsistencies in receptionists' explanations of the FCP role.…”

“…Some qualitative work has explored Practice staff's acceptability of the FCP role. Goodwin et al (2020) explored factors that affected patient awareness and understanding of the role, however, not patient acceptability specifically. If an intervention is acceptable, patient adherence to treatment and improved clinical outcomes are more likely (Hommel, Hente, Herzer, Ingerski, & Denson, 2013).…”

A New Way with Words: Bringing Qualitative Research Findings to Action

“…A multimedia platform enabled the profession to be portrayed in a new inspirational light to audiences, demonstrating the impact that imagery can have when used to shape new narratives. Research has revealed that public awareness of physiotherapy in the UK is poor, and those authors called for new methods of informing the public about the profession [ 32 ]. And in 2018, Zadro [ 33 ] argued that we need to promote physiotherapy using information based on research findings.…”

A Utilização Do Marketing Digital Na Promoção E Divulgação Dos Serviços De Fisioterapia / the Use of Digital Marketing in the Promotion and Dissemination of Physiotherapy Services

“…Goodwin et al (2020), em um estudo quantitativo sobre o fisioterapeuta como profissional de primeiro contato, relata que as técnicas tradicionais de marketing (pôsteres, panfletos e manequins de tamanho real) que eram utilizadas para disseminar a abordagem, mostraram-se em maior parte dos casos ineficazes. Os autores apontam que o marketing baseado em evidências é muito importante para a fisioterapia e que novas técnicas devem ser difundidas na profissão.…”