Over a six-month period in 2016, the School of Health Sciences at Robert
Gordon University (RGU) conducted a study to investigate the effectiveness and value of the PTC physiotherapy service.
This independent study involved quantitative, qualitative and an economic analysis. The findings were recently published in a summary report; confirming the physiotherapy provision at the PTC to be highly regarded as well as clinically and cost effective.
In total 644 patients took part in the study and were asked questions relating to Work Ability, Disability and Quality of Life both immediately after their 2 week stay, and again after 6 weeks. At the 2 and 6 week point there were significant improvements in all areas with patients reporting lower severity of symptoms and significant improvements to their quality of life.
Participants were overwhelmingly positive about their overall experience at both of the Treatment Centres. Recurring comments were made about the value of regular physiotherapy, the personalised treatment experienced and our excellent facilities as well as the pleasant and relaxing environment, encompassing everything from housekeeping to catering.
When it came to evaluating whether the PTC was deemed to be good value for money, every participant responded positively.
One patient said:
“
From walking through the door here to leaving I feel like a different person. On arrival I was wracked with pain and felt unable to focus and concentrate on simple tasks. Now on leaving I am working out when and where my next triathlon will be. Every area within the centre is 5 star. After suffering for over a decade with a shoulder injury, spending hundreds of pounds on painful treatments, the physio has managed to rectify my main problem within a week! I am forever grateful. I feel like I've got my life back. Thank you!”
Another participant commented:
“
Without a shadow of a doubt, even if you paid that [amount of money] for your whole service and you only go once – you would get your money back.”
The research study calculated a cost benefit ratio, showing that for every £1 spent on an officer’s treatment, a return of £3.66 is made.
Mark Oxley, Head of Clinical Services commented;
“
We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding results that have been reported. This really does validate the PTC as a centre of excellence that delivers class leading treatment for our police family patients.”
The next step is to carry out a six-month in house follow up with participants from the original
study to review the long term impact of the treatment provided by the PTC. Additionally our physiotherapy team will continue to work closely with Occupational Health Units (OHU) in our constituent forces to ensure the optimum timing for PTC treatment in a patient’s recovery process so that the best results possible can be achieved.
One of the recommendations of the study was a continued need to push awareness of the PTC within forces. Sadly there are still officers out there who maybe do not know what we can offer. If you are reading this as a past patient with first-hand experience, please do consider becoming an ambassador for us and spreading the word. If you can support us please either email us at
fundraising@thepolicetreatmentcentres.org or ring on 01423 504448 and ask for fundraising.
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