Changes in Physiotherapy Utilization in One Workforce: Implications for Accessibility among Canadian Working-Age...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Health services research
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Background:

• Limited attention has been given to outpatient physiotherapy access within essential medical care discussions.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common cause of workplace disability and impact employee health.
• Understanding physiotherapy utilization is crucial for effective healthcare provision and policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine physiotherapy utilization for MSDs among Ontario employees.
• To assess the impact of workplace policies and on-site clinics on physiotherapy access.
• To identify potential disparities in access to physiotherapy services.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of physiotherapy claims and service data.
• Data sources included a public insurance board, private carriers, a workplace fund, and an on-site clinic.
• Study population comprised approximately 2,000 employees from a large, unionized Ontario workplace.

Main Results:

• Overall physiotherapy utilization for MSDs increased substantially from 1992-1994 to 1999-2002.
• On-site physiotherapy services became the predominant mode of care by 1999-2002 (70%) with inclusive policies.
• Significant growth in physiotherapy services was observed post-1995 and post-1999.

Conclusions:

• Inclusive workplace physiotherapy policies, particularly on-site clinics, can dramatically increase service utilization.
• A growing user-pay orientation in outpatient physiotherapy may create access barriers for certain employee groups.
• Ensuring equitable access to physiotherapy requires consideration of insurance coverage and direct service provision models.