Purpose
To evaluate the return to work and health outcomes of a physiotherapy network provider programme.
Method
A prospective case–control study was conducted with 21 clients of network occupational physiotherapy (OP) providers and 21 matched clients of non‐network providers.
Outcome measures
Health outcomes and return to work were recorded 3 and 6 months following the commencement of physiotherapy. Health outcomes included the Short Form (SF)‐12, return to usual activities and the global perceived effect of treatment. Within‐group changes and between‐group differences were analysed.
Results
Within‐group changes showed the OP group improved significantly in physical functioning (p = 0.006), and the control group deteriorated in mental health status (p = 0.016) as measured by the SF‐12. Mean change over time between groups from the 3‐month to 6‐month follow‐ups showed a significant difference favouring the OP group for return to usual activities (p = 0.027) and the physical component of the SF‐12 (p = 0.009). All job‐attached participants returned to work following their accident, so there was no difference between the groups.
Conclusion
The OP clients demonstrated a greater change in physical functioning health outcomes over time. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of the OP scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.