Self Referral

Connect began to introduce self-referral to its physiotherapy services (PhysioLine and Primary Care Based Physiotherapy) in 2001 to improve access for patients and decrease the pressure on GP’s.  Self-referral is offered as a choice for patients, although some may prefer to follow traditional pathways and see their GP first.

There are a number of ways of offering  these service options to patients.  Different methods will affect the take-up of the service and Connect can advise Commissioner’s depending on their aims and budget.  

Guidelines from a national study in Scotland, involving 3,000 patients, 200 GP’s and 100 physios (Lesley Holdsworth and Valerie Webster) found that only 21% of patients chose to self-refer but where they did there was increased efficiency, decreased bureaucracy and better value for money.  These authors published a paper in Physiotherapy (Vol 93, Issue 1, March 2007, p3-11)  demonstrating the cost effectiveness of self-referral.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Department of Health support the agenda for self-referral to physiotherapy.  The key benefits are:

• Quicker and more convenient access to physiotherapy
• Increased cost-effectiveness
• Reduced GP time(25% GP appointments pa for MSK problems, 2004/05, CSP)
• Increased patient choice