Patients presenting with musculoskeletal disorders in the emergency department: A qualitative study of their experiences when cared by advanced practice physiotherapists in the province of Québec.

Background: Advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) models of care are promising to alleviate pressure in emergency departments (EDs) where physiotherapists' new roles include being a first-contact practitioner and leading the overall care and management of patients with minor musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) to alleviate ED physicians' caseload.

Purpose: To explore patients' acceptability, experience, satisfaction, and perception of a new APP-led model of care in the ED.

Methods: Patients presenting to the ED with a minor MSKD and who agreed to participate in a multicenter, pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy and costs of an APP model of care were invited to participate in this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were performed to identify themes related to their experiences with this model. Verbatim transcripts were coded and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.

Results: 11 patients participated and three themes were identified: 1- They were satisfied with the care received within the model; 2- They found APPs to have the appropriate skill set to manage MSKDs and to assume medical-delegated tasks; 3- Timely access to care was a key factor in the acceptability of this model and participants believed physiotherapists were appropriate first-contact practitioners. One participant proposed that the APP model of care should also offer follow-up care.

Conclusion: Participants had a positive experience of care in this new model. These results support the implementation of APP models of care in EDs as the participants appear receptive to new roles for APPs.