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Access to physiotherapy services
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Community physiotherapy services significantly expanded in England and Wales by 1980, with most health districts offering these services. General practitioners also gained increased direct access to hospital physiotherapy departments.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Physiotherapy
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The early 1980s saw a growing need for healthcare services outside traditional hospital settings.
- Understanding the provision and accessibility of community physiotherapy was crucial for service planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the availability of community physiotherapy services across England and Wales in 1980.
- To assess general practitioner access to hospital physiotherapy departments.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted across National Health Service districts in England and Wales.
- Data was collected on the presence of community physiotherapy and direct access by general practitioners.
Main Results:
- 159 health districts (75%) reported some form of community physiotherapy service.
- Direct access for general practitioners to hospital physiotherapy was available in 140 districts (66%).
Conclusions:
- Community physiotherapy services saw a considerable increase in availability by 1980.
- Enhanced access for general practitioners to physiotherapy services was evident in many districts.