title: Quality of physiotherapy services for injured workers compensated by workers' compensation in Quebec: a focus group study of physiotherapy professionals.
abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of work-related physical disability in the province of Quebec in Canada. The authors conducted a focus group study with physiotherapists and physical rehabilitation therapists working with patients whose treatments are compensated by the Quebec Workers' Compensation Board with the goal of exploring quality of care and ethical issues. Three main themes were identified: (1) systemic factors, (2) complexity in treatment decisions and (3) inequality of care. Although physiotherapy professionals strive to give these patients the best possible care, patients might not always be provided with optimal or equal treatment. When compared with other patients, there appear to be differences with respect to access to care and types of services offered to injured workers, raising equity concerns. Factors that shape and constrain quality of physiotherapy services for injured workers need to be addressed to improve care for these patients.
authors.affiliation: PhD Student in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hudon
authors.affiliation: PhD Student in Biomedical Sciences, Bioethics Option, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC.
authors.forename: Maude
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laliberté
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.affiliation: Full Professor, Rehabilitation School, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC.
authors.forename: Debbie Ehrmann
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011792:Quebec; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000458:organization & administration