JOSPT Insights
Ep 204: Expanding roles for musculoskeletal rehabilitation clinicians, with Dr Simon Lafrance
Nov 25, 2024
Dr. Simon Lafrance, a physiotherapist and researcher at the University of Montreal, dives into the pressing challenges in our healthcare system, particularly the growing wait times for musculoskeletal care. He discusses innovative models where physiotherapists lead as the first point of contact, enhancing patient access and reducing costs. Simon also explores the evolution of physiotherapists' roles in rehabilitation, the effectiveness of treatment approaches for spine pain, and how personalized care can transform patient satisfaction and outcomes.
24:32
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Quick takeaways
- Advanced practice physiotherapy can alleviate healthcare system strains by empowering physiotherapists to take on diagnostic and triaging roles traditionally held by doctors.
- Recent trials indicate that single-session care for spine pain provided by advanced practice physiotherapists can match the efficacy of multiple sessions, highlighting innovative approaches to treatment.
Deep dives
Challenges in Accessing Musculoskeletal Healthcare
Access to specialist musculoskeletal healthcare has significantly declined over the years due to increasing wait times for treatment. For instance, in Canada, the time from a general practitioner referral to a specialist has ballooned from approximately nine weeks in the early 1990s to around 27 weeks today. This decline is attributed to a growing number of musculoskeletal disorders and a healthcare model that struggles to meet current demands. The need for innovative solutions, such as advanced practice physiotherapy models, is essential to improve patient access and reallocate the responsibilities traditionally held by medical doctors.
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