It has been usual practice for patients who present to the RDH or PRH Emergency Department (ED) with non-complex musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. closed fractures, sprains and strains, issues with a cast or orthotic device) to be managed by an ED Doctor. When triaged alongside other emergency presentations, these patients frequently have wait long times and do not meet the ED KPI for discharge from ED within 4 hours.

We proposed that a new model of care whereby Senior ED Physiotherapists with significant experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and postgraduate training in radiology could independently manage a caseload of simple, musculoskeletal presentations as primary contact practitioners. The primary aim of this model of care is to provide quality, evidence-based ED care to patients presenting with non-complex musculoskeletal injuries, aiming for discharge from ED within 4 hours – one of EDs reportable KPIs. The secondary aim is to optimise workforce efficiency, provide opportunities for clinical growth of the physiotherapy workforce and contribute to staff retention and satisfaction.

Physiotherapists are qualified as primary contact practitioners in Australia and the inclusion criteria for this pilot was limited to presentations that would be within the usual scope of a physiotherapist.

The model of care proposed aligned with the NT Health Strategic Plan 2018-2022 (reviewing models of care and improving access to care) and the NT Health Workforce Strategy 2019 – 2022 (developing workforce potential, working collaboratively and planning for the future).