Establishment and Assessment of an Emergency Department Primary Practitioner Physiotherapy Program for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits, often leading to overcrowding and increased wait times. Traditional models of ED care may not always provide timely and specialized interventions for patients with MSDs. In response, many healthcare systems have introduced emergency department primary practitioner physiotherapy (PPP) programs. These programs allow physiotherapists to act as primary practitioners in EDs, diagnosing, treating, and managing MSDs independently, enhancing patient care and reducing the burden on other healthcare professionals.