ntroduction: Early access to a physical therapist is safe and effective for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: To examine the differences in HRQOL for patients with OA with TF assessment versus medical assessment in primary care. Methods: A pragmatic, randomized, multicenter, pragmatic, controlled study comparing treatment by a physical therapist or a primary care physician was conducted. Results: HRQoL improved 12 months after evaluation for all patients (“Time” variable: EQ-5D-3L index, p < 0.001; EQ-5D-3L VAS, p = 0.0049). Conclusions: The study found no differences in HRQOL, adjusted for pain and physical function, when the care process was initiated by TF versus physician assessment

osteoarthritis, primary care, quality of life, physical therapy. source: DeCS