Guideline-based PT for NCDs
In order to shed light on the role of physiotherapy in the context of NCDs in Switzerland, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature search of clinical guidelines and identify recommended PT interventions.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
- Institute(s) Physiotherapy
- Research unit(s) Public Health und physiotherapiebezogene Gesundheitsökonomie
- Funding organisation Others
- Duration 01.06.2024 - 30.09.2024
- Head of project Dr. Nathanael Lutz
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Project staff
Alexander Philipp Schurz
Dr. Nathanael Lutz
Prof. Dr. Jan Taeymans
Prof. Dr. Heiner Baur - Keywords Guideline-based physiotherapy, Non-communicable diseases
Situation
Direct healthcare costs in Switzerland totalled over CHF 91 billion in 2022. That's almost 900 francs per capita, every month. Unsurprisingly, the biggest concern for the Swiss is the cost of healthcare and the associated health insurance premiums. According to the latest estimates from 2011, 80% of Swiss healthcare costs are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Physiotherapy is an elementary component of basic medical care and plays an important role in the management of NCDs. The health benefits of physiotherapy are considered to be very good by the Swiss population. In contrast, physiotherapy faces accusations of overuse, as the costs of physiotherapy have risen disproportionately in recent years.
Course of action
The methodological approach consists of three phases. In the first phase, particularly influential NCDs were prioritised in the context of Switzerland. Based on the selection from phase one, the second phase involved a systematic search for corresponding clinical guidelines (CL) in databases and registers. Finally, in the last phase, health economic studies were sought for NCDs for which physiotherapy is a central component of care in order to be able to make statements on cost-effectiveness.
Looking ahead
This work helps to identify the NCDs for which physiotherapy is primarily recommended in the guidelines. In addition, it can finally be specifically stated which treatment options should be used in the treatment.
