The purpose of this study was to determine the potential role of physical therapists in community health clinics serving uninsured patients. Questionnaires were disseminated to a random sample of Midwestern community health clinics. Eighty-seven clinics (50%) responded. Analysis of the results revealed five findings. First, only about 5% of clinics (four clinics) employed physical therapists. Two clinics employed a full-time physical therapist, and two clinics employed a part-time physical therapist. Second, over 50% of clinics reported a need for physical therapy that exceeded their clinics’ provision of nine of the 25 physical therapy services listed on the questionnaire. Third, 85% of clinics referred patients to physical therapy. Of these referring clinics, 45% referred between one to five patients weekly, 7% referred six to ten patients weekly, and 8% referred 11 or more patients weekly. Fourth, 66% of clinics stated their patients would most likely utilize physical therapy services at the same clinic where they receive primary health care rather than at a nearby pro bono physical therapy clinic, at a nearby hospital, or via a home health care physical therapist. Fifth, 71% of clinics would not consider hiring a physical therapist. The three most frequent explanations were cost, satisfaction with current physical therapy referral services, and limited space. However, 76% of clinics would consider utilizing a volunteer physical therapist. These results indicate a high need for physical therapy services at community health clinics. See None
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. identify the discrepancy between physical therapy needs and services available at community health clinics. 2. recognize the five physical therapy services most needed by patients at community health clinics. 3. list three reasons community health clinics are not interested in hiring a physical therapist. 4. identify the location where physical therapy would most likely be utilized by patients from community health clinics.
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Community Health Centers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.