gms | German Medical Science

Background: In the last decade, the distribution of work between physiotherapists and physicians in Finland has been changed by establishing direct access to physiotherapy services. With this form, the client directly asks the physiotherapist to provide services without needing a physician’s referral.

Aim: A survey was conducted to gather information on direct access to physiotherapy in Finland, to guidance on commencing and further developing such activity [1].

Method: In a cross-sectional study undertaken in June 2017, a questionnaire was sent to municipal-sector shop stewards (n = 236), with instructions for them to prepare their responses alongside the relevant physiotherapists. The data were characterised via a direct frequency and percentage distribution and content analysis was employed for evaluation of qualitative data.

Results/findings: In all, 69 replies were received, for a response rate of 29%. Around half of the respondents’ organisations had implemented direct access to physiotherapists, while a quarter had plans to do so. Those with experience of it found the implementation fairly easy, but several cited problems with e.g. the necessary additional training. Service was indicated to be efficient; clients often were seen on the day they made contact. The organisations arranged 1-5 appointment for the client. The feedback from clients was highly positive.

Discussion and conclusions: Direct access to physiotherapists has become more commonplace in recent years, and such services should only be increased [2]. The guidelines in the report support physiotherapists and others to design such action. One should seriously question the practice of requiring a physician’s referral for services of a physiotherapist. This is consistent with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) objective of increasing the independence of the professional activities of physiotherapists [3].