title: Health outcomes can be improved by implementing an occupational physiotherapy provider programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the return to work and health outcomes of a physiotherapy network provider programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective case-control study was conducted with 21 clients of network occupational physiotherapy (OP) providers and 21 matched clients of non-network providers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Health outcomes and return to work were recorded 3 and 6 months following the commencement of physiotherapy. Health outcomes included the Short Form (SF)-12, return to usual activities and the global perceived effect of treatment. Within-group changes and between-group differences were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Within-group changes showed the OP group improved significantly in physical functioning (p = 0.006), and the control group deteriorated in mental health status (p = 0.016) as measured by the SF-12. Mean change over time between groups from the 3-month to 6-month follow-ups showed a significant difference favouring the OP group for return to usual activities (p = 0.027) and the physical component of the SF-12 (p = 0.009). All job-attached participants returned to work following their accident, so there was no difference between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The OP clients demonstrated a greater change in physical functioning health outcomes over time. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of the OP scheme.
authors: School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. t.pizzari@latrobe.edu.au
authors: Tania
authors: T
authors: Pizzari
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Davidson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D062707:Return to Work; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome