A comparative evaluation of organizational models of physiotherapy through measures reported by patients

Background: Identifying the value and quality of organisational models supports the performance of the overall healthcare system and the effectiveness of its processes.Purpose: Based on an organizational case of physiotherapy care delivery, this study compares a traditional organizational model with the most recent fast-track approach within the total hip replacement (THR) surgery pathway.Research Design: Through a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) application, the study aims to analysing the impact of two different models on patient-reported outcomes.Study Sample: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) data collected between 2018 and 2023 through the PROMs Observatory in the Tuscany region (Italy) were used.Results: The results, based on 417 responses, suggest that the two organizational models produce equivalent outcomes reported by patients’ voices at different timepoints, while the models have different organizational characteristics that result in increased allocative value in terms of shorter length of stay (LOS) and associated reduced resource use.Conclusions: From a Lean Management perspective, the managers’ decision-making process is supported by evidence on the adoption of the most valuable organizational model using both clinical and organizational data from the patient’s point of view.