The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging all candidates in the upcoming 2024 Queensland election to prioritise investment in physiotherapy. In an election statement released today, the APA evidences the value that physiotherapy can deliver to the state and to the healthcare outcomes of all Queenslanders.  

With 1.8 million Queenslanders currently suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, the APA highlights the urgent need for publicly funded physiotherapy to improve the patient journey, deliver cost-effective services and enhance patient care.

APA National President Scott Willis says investing in physiotherapy is critical for preventive care but also serves as a cost-effective alternative to hospitalisations and surgeries.  

‘We need to shift towards integrated care models that include physiotherapy to achieve the best health outcomes and efficiency for the state,’ Mr Willis said.  

In Physiotherapy: high-value care for all Queenslanders, the APA outlines five key priority areas ahead of October's poll:  

1. Use physiotherapy in non-operative pathways:

• Implement physiotherapy-led early intervention and prevention strategies to reduce hospital admissions and surgeries.
• Optimise patient outcomes during care transitions with prioritised funding for in-home physiotherapy care packages.
• Improve access to physiotherapy for managing chronic conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, cardiorespiratory, and neurological conditions.

2. Increase access to physiotherapy in hospital and community settings:

• Establish publicly funded first contact physiotherapy services in Urgent Care Clinics and Minor Injury and Illness Clinics to reduce emergency department workloads.
• Enhance patient recovery and reduce hospital stay durations by prioritising physiotherapy in the public hospital system.
• Grant physiotherapists access to The Viewer application to improve communication and care coordination.

3. Support rural physiotherapy and a sustainable workforce:

• Provide funding for physiotherapy and allied health services to ensure integrated care in rural health settings.
• Attract and retain more physiotherapists in rural Queensland through incentivised programs and improved infrastructure.

4. Recognise primary care physiotherapy in workers’ compensation scheme:

• Allow physiotherapists to play a greater role in determining work capacity and completing capacity certificates to improve return-to-work rates.

5. Fund and embed advanced practice physiotherapists in hospitals and community settings:

• Expand and consistently support advanced practice physiotherapist-led models of care to address overburdened specialist outpatient services.

The economic benefits of investing in physiotherapy are significant. The Value of Physiotherapy in Australia by the NOUS group highlights that physiotherapy interventions can lead to substantial cost savings and improved quality of life for Queenslanders and all Australians.  

‘Queensland has been a leader in national health reform, but there’s much more that needs to be done to ensure a sustainable, equitable and fit for purpose system in the future,’ Mr Willis said.

The current state health system, marked by long wait times, fragmented services, and inadequate funding, leaves many Queenslanders without essential care. Physiotherapy is a vital component of much needed health reform, particularly for high-priority groups disproportionately affected by these issues.

‘By integrating physiotherapy into the broader health system, we can provide high-value care, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and empower patients to take control of their health,’ Mr Willis said.

As the election approaches, the APA urges candidates to support these priorities and commit to the reforms needed to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the high-quality physiotherapy care they deserve. 

Reference:

Nous Group. (2020). Value of Physiotherapy in Australia. Australian Physiotherapy Association. Retrieved from Value of Physiotherapy in Australia.