Models of Integrating Physical Therapists into Family Health Teams in Ontario, Canada: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Although there are differences across the urban/rural divide, there exist opportunities to enhance and optimize existing delivery models so as to improve client access and address emerging demand for community-based PT services.

Perfil de encaminhamentos a fisioterapia por um serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde, 2012

“…Contudo, os autores do estudo canadense são categóricos em afirmar que o acesso à fisioterapia é necessário ao manejo de condições crônicas. 17 Entre as limitações do presente estudo, destaca-se o fato de 4 das 12 Unidades de Saúde do Serviço de Saúde Comunitária do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição -SSC/GHC -não participarem da pesquisa, ademais da dificuldade em prolongar a coleta de dados. O tempo necessário para preenchimento dos formulários de coleta e a logística da pesquisa impossibilitaram o alcance de uma amostra mais variada e numericamente mais expressiva.…”

Understanding Physiotherapists' Roles in Ontario Primary Health Care Teams

“…In Ontario, physiotherapists are underrepresented within PHC teams; 2,3 the majority of community physiotherapy services in Ontario are available only through the private health care sector, which translates into limited or no access for many people. [2][3][4] The Canadian Physiotherapy Association contends that inter-professional health care models that integrate physiotherapists ensure continuity of care and effective management, education, and care for all Canadians. 5 Recent research demonstrates that PHC providers support embedding physiotherapists within PHC teams.…”

“…5 Recent research demonstrates that PHC providers support embedding physiotherapists within PHC teams. 2 Further, exploring current PHC models as costeffective options to expand publicly funded community physiotherapy service within Canada has been recommended. [2][3][4] Thus, an understanding of how physiotherapists currently practise and what roles they are playing within these settings is needed.…”

Clinician's Commentary on Cott et al.

“…The literature offers us several suggestions as to how this can be done, and the article by Cott et al 1 provides excellent evidence to help us move forward. Suggestions for helping to promote the role of physiotherapy in primary care include the following:…”

“…The article by Cott et al 1 in this issue of Physiotherapy Canada explores two models by which physiotherapists can be incorporated into Family Health Teams (FHTs) in Ontario and details the challenges and opportunities associated with these models. The article is a timely one: this issue has been uppermost in the minds of physiotherapists in Ontario, and the lessons are valuable for those in other provinces, where similar interprofessional models of health care are being set up.…”