Social Return on Investment of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in the National Health Service

Social return on investment (SROI) may present a method for demonstrating the social value of healthcare interventions. It has not previously been measured in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy but is being used in the procurement and performance management of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to measure SROI in one provider of MSK physiotherapy in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS).

A retrospective single arm online survey-based service evaluation was carried out to calculate the SROI of an NHS adult MSK physiotherapy service using the Housing Association's Charitable Trust Social Value Calculator.

237 respondents (35.6%) completed the survey and a mean SROI of £4.13 for every £1 invested was demonstrated. There were sub-group variations based on symptom location and discharge location.

This is the first time SROI has been calculated in an MSK physiotherapy setting. This service evaluation raises new questions about the variations observed in subgroups and the applicability of this methodology in individuals with MSK conditions who receive physiotherapy.

MSK physiotherapy is an intervention which offers a positive SROI across a range of MSK conditions and contributes towards improved wellbeing. This is the first study to use the HACT Social Value Calculator when evaluating a physiotherapy service and further research is required to validate the results.