However, despite the strong scientific evidence base, we lacked a high-quality study examining both effectiveness and the economic benefit that physiotherapy provides.
The APA recently commissioned the Nous Group to undertake a landmark analysis of the value of a range of physiotherapy interventions. By doing so, we have, for the first time, built a robust picture of our high-level impacts and the value this provides to the health care sector.
The study found that treatments by physiotherapists deliver both health and economic benefits. Interventions are clinically effective and deliver net economic benefits, with quality of life improvements exceeding treatment costs.
This report is the missing link to demonstrate that all the Physiotherapy treatments investigated were clinically effective, and delivered net economic benefits, with improvements in the quality of life experienced by patients. This will form the foundation for our Policy Strategic plan for all stages of life in a patient's health journey.
Scott Willis, National President, APA
In an independent study, Nous Group calculated the impact of physiotherapy interventions.
Firstly, they calculated the benefits to patients. They measured the improvement in quality of life from peer-reviewed clinical trials, then used accepted, official methods to work out the value of better health in dollar terms.
Then they factored in costs, like the cost of delivering the service, the cost of the patient’s time and the avoided costs of other treatments.
The outcome of this work is that we can estimate a dollar value of the benefits of physiotherapy, so everyone can better understand its impact.
Read the report: Value of physiotherapy in Australia
Read the summary of the report here.
The dashboard has been developed to help visualise the benefit-cost ratio and net benefit of Physiotherapy for the particular conditions. The variables for costs and benefits can be modified to give a dynamic view of the net benefit in differing situations.
You can access the dashboard here.
Developed by Nous Group, the series of infographics are designed to support the Value of Physiotherapy in Australia report by highlighting key physiotherapy intervention and the economic benefit they represent to the Australian healthcare systems.
Member only access the suite of eleven infographics by Nous Group here.
Join us in amplifying the reports reach and impact. With your help we can ensure everyone knows about the value of physiotherapy and to think physio-first. You can also spread the word by talking to your patients, staff and colleagues about the economic value of physiotherapy.
A suite of member only material is available for you to use, including a general infographic about the value of physiotherapy and eleven physiotherapy treatments. Here, you will find:
Use these images on your website, your email, social media and at your practice. Remember to link them to this website, www.australian.physio/economic-value
How to use the assets:
The value of physiotherapy is enormous as part of the multidisciplinary care model
Physiotherapy led exercise program can improve older Australians' quality of life by improving strength and balance reducing the likelihood of falls.
Physiotherapy is well recognised nonsurgical intervention for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence affecting up to 30% of women over the age of 40.
Parkinson’s disease has traditionally been treated with drugs, but recent research has shown that physiotherapy offers an effective addition to both drug and surgical treatment.
COPD is the 5th leading cause of death, affecting 1 in 20 people. There is no cure for COPD but management with physiotherapy can help reduce the burden of disease.
Physical activity and good fitness helps people living with cerebral palsy, it helps improve physical performance in daily life and prevents the development of secondary health problems.
Tennis elbow typically affects those aged 40 to 60 years and can result in pain, increased need for healthcare and lost time from work.Physiotherapy treatment can improve quality of life through improved function
Up to 80 per cent of patients referred to orthopaedic outpatient services can be managed without surgery. Physiotherapy treatment can be a cost effective option for patients and funders.
Avoidable hospital readmissions are a burden on the health system, and can cause significant reduction in quality of life for those who are admitted. Physiotherapy can play an important role in lowering hospital readmission rates by improving recovery and mobility.
Up to 3.24 million Australians live with chronic pain. The condition is difficult to manage but physiotherapy plays an important role in improving quality of life.
Physiotherapy can be valuable both as an alternative to other interventions (as in the case of surgery for osteoarthritis) and as a complementary form of therapy (as in the case of pre- and post-surgery).
Sufferers experience reduced mobility, and it also contributes to reduced capacity to work, exercise, and has been associated with poor mental health. There is strong evidence that physiotherapy can make a real difference to patients quality of life.
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