In Hospital Physiotherapy VS. Out Patient treatment
Good morning dear friends. Today, I'd like to highlight the difference between hospital based physiotherapy treatments vs. Out-patient treatment. Essentially, an out -patient treatment is when a client seeks physio at a private practice (generally not affiliated to a hospital and run by an independent owner). An in-patient treatment means that one is admitted into hospital and then receives physio (amongst other treatments) & needs a referral from an appropriate specialist. Most people will experience physiotherapy for the first time as an in-patient unless they have come to a private practice before hospitalization. There are many pros and cons to both types of treatments. The pros of hospital physio treatment is that :
1. You get to see the physio while simultaneously receiving other medical treatment you might need and don't need to make special arrangements.
2. The treatment is conveniently paid for from medical aids (sometimes it's slightly more difficult to obtain authorisation for out-patient treatment).
3. The physio and specialist have direct communication at hospital and can decide on clinical matters together (if required).
There are a lot of cons to hospital-based treatment which out weight the pros :
1. Physios often take on too many clients at hospital and give shorter, poorer quantity treatments due to time constraints.
2. Client's medical aids are billed at full cost despite these treatments being quicker and lacking in attention.
3. Some Medical specialists will refer to physios unnecessarily, overservicing clients and undermining the real role of physio.
4. There is lack of continuity as the client will only see a physio for their hospital stay and often cannot get to see them once they return home.
5. Some larger practices employ many different therapists and clients can be seen by different individuals during their treatment cycle. This contributes to poor relationship-building (many people desire to be see by one therapist only.)
5. Physio have to 'make-do' in-hospital without treatment beds, low plinths or special rehab equipment that a private practice setting will have. Again, leading to poorer-quality treatment.
In my opinion, having worked and gained experience at both settings, the benefits of out-patient treatment far outweighs in-patient treatment. Let me highlight a few :
1. The care and attention a client receives at a private practice contributes to better overall recovery and results. Sessions are at least 45 minutes long and on a one-to-one basis
2. Better quantity of care results in better adherence to exercise regimes and quicker healing.
3. Clients really receive value-for- money. You simply get what you pay for in terms of time and hands-on treatment. Out-patient treatment is NOT more expensive than hospital treatment.
4. Clients go on to establish a strong bond with a therapist (long term) and this contributes to better feelings of well-being.
5. Physios working in the community contribute to it's wellbeing, in terms of education and prevention of illnesses.
6. We are first-line practitioners and don't need a referral from a doctor for treatment.
7. At an out-patient practice, clients are not seen simultaneously and have undivided attention for a set amount of time. There is no overlapping or cutting short treatments for 'emergency' cases as can be the case in-hospital.
8. Private practice owners have a wealth of time and educational investments made to enhance quality of care and can control these factors independently.
There is no question that I would choose out-patient treatment for myself or my family.
1. You get to see the physio while simultaneously receiving other medical treatment you might need and don't need to make special arrangements.
2. The treatment is conveniently paid for from medical aids (sometimes it's slightly more difficult to obtain authorisation for out-patient treatment).
3. The physio and specialist have direct communication at hospital and can decide on clinical matters together (if required).
There are a lot of cons to hospital-based treatment which out weight the pros :
1. Physios often take on too many clients at hospital and give shorter, poorer quantity treatments due to time constraints.
2. Client's medical aids are billed at full cost despite these treatments being quicker and lacking in attention.
3. Some Medical specialists will refer to physios unnecessarily, overservicing clients and undermining the real role of physio.
4. There is lack of continuity as the client will only see a physio for their hospital stay and often cannot get to see them once they return home.
5. Some larger practices employ many different therapists and clients can be seen by different individuals during their treatment cycle. This contributes to poor relationship-building (many people desire to be see by one therapist only.)
5. Physio have to 'make-do' in-hospital without treatment beds, low plinths or special rehab equipment that a private practice setting will have. Again, leading to poorer-quality treatment.
In my opinion, having worked and gained experience at both settings, the benefits of out-patient treatment far outweighs in-patient treatment. Let me highlight a few :
1. The care and attention a client receives at a private practice contributes to better overall recovery and results. Sessions are at least 45 minutes long and on a one-to-one basis
2. Better quantity of care results in better adherence to exercise regimes and quicker healing.
3. Clients really receive value-for- money. You simply get what you pay for in terms of time and hands-on treatment. Out-patient treatment is NOT more expensive than hospital treatment.
4. Clients go on to establish a strong bond with a therapist (long term) and this contributes to better feelings of well-being.
5. Physios working in the community contribute to it's wellbeing, in terms of education and prevention of illnesses.
6. We are first-line practitioners and don't need a referral from a doctor for treatment.
7. At an out-patient practice, clients are not seen simultaneously and have undivided attention for a set amount of time. There is no overlapping or cutting short treatments for 'emergency' cases as can be the case in-hospital.
8. Private practice owners have a wealth of time and educational investments made to enhance quality of care and can control these factors independently.
There is no question that I would choose out-patient treatment for myself or my family.
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