What is Rapid Response Physio?
Employ Health’s rapid response physio service will provide physiotherapy assessment and triage delivered by the phone. Where appropriate we will work with the employer to provide occupational interventions if required. The service will make sure:
- Injured workers are responded to rapidly.
- An injured worker is provided with a rehabilitation plan and receives prompt and ongoing follow up with their physiotherapist. This may be face to face at one of our onsite clinics or ongoing through our phone based service.
- There will be pathways in place for onward referral to medical services if required.
- The worker’s company and supervisor will be liaised with regarding the worker’s ability to perform their duties.
Why is this service needed?
Employ Health has analysed recent injury and compensation claim data published in Australia. This information outlines that there are disproportionately high injury rates and compensation claims for mobile, lone, rural, remote and shift workers. For more information, including which industries are most in need, read our most recently published blog articles.
Can physio be effective over the phone?
- Research from the UK has indicated that physiotherapy assessment and triage over the phone is an effective form of treatment. This research was conducted over a period of 10 years across 15 different public health catchment regions.
- Research in Australia has noted that phone based physiotherapy services remove traditional barriers to service delivery, such as time and distance, for those outside of metropolitan areas.
- In the field of occupational health and injury management phone based physiotherapy services have had marked success internationally. This is exemplified by work done at the Staffordshire County Shire Council, where a rapid response physio service that begins with telephone triage saved over 1000 lost work days per month. This equates to over $200 000 saved by the council monthly.
How does a workplace take advantage of this program?
The team at Employ Health have been working diligently to create this unique and visionary service. If you feel that your workplace would benefit from this service email Employ Health at admin@employhealth.com.au.
