Assessing the Effects and Costs of Physiotherapy-led Care for Patients With Muscle and Joint Injuries in Emergency Departments

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a physiotherapy-led care model in emergency departments for patients with minor musculoskeletal injuries such as pain or injury to the upper or lower extremities. This study aims to compare patient outcomes and healthcare use when specially trained physiotherapists independently examine, manage, and discharge these patients, versus the usual care provided by doctors and nurses. The study will also assess whether this approach is cost-effective within Danish hospitals, addressing a growing healthcare challenge due to increased patient numbers and staff shortages. The study includes two groups one where advanced practice physiotherapists handle musculoskeletal patients independently, and another receiving usual care from emergency department nurses and physicians. Approximately 800 patients will be enrolled across 4-5 hospitals. Patients will be followed for up to 26 weeks, with questionnaires collected at 1, 4, 12, and 26 weeks after injury to measure pain, physical function, satisfaction, and healthcare use. Register data on healthcare utilization will also be collected. Participants will complete patient-reported outcome questionnaires about pain, quality of life, physical function, and work productivity. Researchers will track repeat emergency visits and primary care use during follow-up. The main outcomes include pain levels up to 12 weeks and quality of life up to 26 weeks. The trial will run from August 2025 to March 2028, with no masking and a non-randomized design. This study will provide insight into patient experiences and clinical outcomes under a new care model in emergency settings.

Effect and Cost of a Physiotherapy-led Care Model in Emergency Departments for Patients With Minor Musculoskeletal Injuries