Challenges for first contact physiotherapists' managing sickness absence: Consensus development using the nominal group technique.
Cameron Black, Sivaramkumar Shanmugam, Heather Gray
PMID 39704090WHAT IT FOUND
Occupational health experts identified time constraints and lack of knowledge as the biggest barriers for first contact physiotherapists managing sickness absence.
They recommended routine work conversations and specific occupational health training as key learning needs.
Key findings
01Experts ranked 'Time' and 'Lack of knowledge' as the most important challenges for first contact physiotherapists managing sickness absence.
02Experts ranked 'Work conversations' and 'Training in Occupational Health topics' as the most important learning and development needs.
03The study used an expert panel of Occupational Health physiotherapists, none of whom worked as First Contact Physiotherapists, to define these competencies.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The experts defining the competencies for First Contact Physiotherapists did not work in that role themselves, so their insights are based on occupational health expertise rather than direct FCP experience. The consensus threshold was set at 60%, which the authors acknowledge is a lower threshold that may limit the strength of agreement. The study was conducted during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced participants' availability and perspectives on work and health. The findings are specific to the UK healthcare context and legislative framework regarding Fit Notes.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was approved by Glasgow Caledonian University's Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that training FCPs in these areas will successfully reduce sickness absence or improve patient outcomes. This study only identifies what experts believe are the barriers and necessary skills; it does not test whether addressing them works.