Direct Access Physiotherapy in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Improving Access to Quality Care for Children and Adolescents Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department With Musculoskeletal Problems: a Pilot Randomized Control Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two methods of managing low acuity musculoskeletal complaints in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17.99 years in the pediatric emergency department. The main question it aims to answer is whether delivering care in two methods is feasible. Participants will receive care while in the emergency department and will be followed for a period of 1-month post-presentation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 6.00-17.99 years of age
• present to the Montreal Children's Hospital Emergency Department with a suspected MSK complaint, traumatic or not
• are given a triage score of 3 (urgent), 4 (less urgent), or 5 (nonurgent) according to the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS)
• are able to communicate in French or English

Exclusion Criteria:

• present with a major MSK condition requiring urgent care (e.g., open fracture, open wound)
• a red flag (e.g. progressive neurological disorder, infectious symptoms)
• a co-morbid unstable condition.