Impact of a direct access occupational physiotherapy treatment service

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cause significant morbidity and absence from work for both manual and sedentary occupations. Aims To examine the impact of a direct access physiotherapy treatment service in an occupational setting. Methods This was a pilot study carried out as a service audit. Physiotherapy patients were assessed pre- and post-treatment using the work function score (WFS), a visual analogue scale for pain (VASP) and adjusted clinical score (ACS). Self-report questionnaires were completed on sickness absence, attendance at work and the World Health Organization (five) Well-being Index. Results There were 231 participants. Patient improvement was reported in WFS (63%), ACS (84%) and VASP (94%). Compared with those who had one or two sessions, improvement was most likely after three to four sessions for WFS [odds ratio (OR): 4.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.4-14.3, P < 0.05], VASP (OR: 32.2; 95% confidence interval: 3.5-294.2, P < 0.01) and five to six sessions for ACS (OR: 6.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.9-25.9, P < 0.01). While the self-reported questionnaire response rate was low at 29%, respondents indicated that there was potential to reduce and prevent sickness absence and improve mental well-being. Conclusions Brief physiotherapy treatment for MSDs may have the potential to improve not only clinical status and pain as expected but also work function, psychological well-being and sickness absence. Further research is warranted to confirm these positive impacts and to endorse physiotherapy as an effective intervention in occupational settings and a useful component in rehabilitation and 'Fit for Work' programmes.