Research into the organisation of physiotherapy

This paper is the first in a series of reports of current research by the Health Services Organisation Research Unit (HSORU), Brunel University. The research has been initiated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and, although it has been undertaken within the NHS, we believe much of it is applicable elsewhere. The Society aims to promote an improved understanding of organisation among all physiotherapists. Critical comments from readers will be integrated as part of the research and are welcomed by the CSP Steering Group. The research method, collaborative analysis of organisational problems, is briefly described and the value of organisational clarity for day-to-day running of departments and the development of services is emphasised. An outline of previous work between physiotherapists and researchers shows how relationships, both among physiotherapists and between doctors and physiotherapists, have changed as the profession has developed. The subsequent research on self-management and levels of work in physiotherapy is also described.