Today in Washington, DC, physiotherapists from around the world heard that direct patient access and self-referral to physiotherapy improves public health. Patient self-referral and direct access is proven to be safe, and results in better health outcomes, more timely care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs.
Leaders from 18 countries attending the International Policy Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy endorsed the results of research that clearly demonstrate that patient self-referral to physiotherapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private. Direct access and self-referral allows patients to access physiotherapy as their first choice for rehabilitation. A physician referral is not required.
Marilyn Moffat, PT, PhD, CSCS, FAPTA, President of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, says "Physical therapists are able to act as first contact practitioners, and patients may seek direct services without referral from another health care professional. The results of this wide body of research are clear: patients benefit from self-referral and direct access. We encourage legislators and health administrators around the world to consider these findings."
"Canada has been a world leader in legislating direct access so that patients can self-refer to physiotherapy", says Alice Aiken, PT, PhD, President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. "Patient self-referral is legal in all provinces of Canada".