UCRH researcher Associate Professor Chris Williams is part of a team of researchers working on a new trial, called the RESHAP-ED trial, which is set to explore whether having physiotherapists as the first point of contact can help reduce the time patients spend in an emergency department (ED).
EDs are often overwhelmed with patients, including those with musculoskeletal conditions. With that in mind, the trial will take place in multiple hospitals across NSW and will compare the usual care provided by doctors and nurses with a new approach where physiotherapists handle patients with simple musculoskeletal issues. The main goal is to see if this new pathway can shorten the length of stay in the ED.
The trial has been outlined in a new article published in BMJ Open.
Researchers will also look at how acceptable and feasible this approach is, as well as its cost-effectiveness. They aim to recruit 1,370 patients to detect a significant difference in ED stay times. The study will also gather feedback from both patients and clinicians to understand their experiences with this new model of care.
If successful, this trial could lead to a more efficient way of managing musculoskeletal conditions in emergency settings, easing the pressure on doctors and nurses and improving patient care.
