Physiotherapy Models of Service Delivery, Staffing, and Caseloads: A Profile of Level I Trauma Centres across Canada

Purpose: To examine and describe physiotherapy models of service delivery, staffing, and caseloads in Level I trauma centres across Canada. Methods: A telephone questionnaire was administered to one experienced trauma physiotherapist at each of the 19 Level I trauma centres in Canada. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively for national trends. Results: Data were collected from all 19 centres (100%), 89% of which provided physiotherapy services 5 days per week with priority weekend coverage. Physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) were employed by 89% of centres and were used across the continuum of care. Centres with PTAs appear to be more likely to provide patients with additional daily treatment. Departmental organizational structures were the most common (41%) and were associated with higher caseloads. Higher caseloads also appear to be linked with having less than 10 years of experience as a physiotherapist. Conclusions: Variations exist between centres with respect to the delivery of physiotherapy services. These variations may result from differences in province-specific legislation, differences in funding structure, and the lack of evidence-informed guidelines. Future research is needed to establish optimal models of physiotherapy services that are cost-effective and provide best patient care.