W231/IUPUI/Student Example: Annotated Bibliograph (#1)

Summary: This article evaluates the importance of direct access in the modern health care system. It explains the positives and negatives that come about due to a program that practices direct access.

Application: This article gives me a good background to explain what direct access is. It also lets me inform the reader about the positives and negatives that can be expected as a result of direct access. It gives me some useful statistics to use in my presentation also.

Callingwood Physical therapy Services. (Jan 1997). Direct access to physical therapy-What it means to you. [On-line]. http://www.callingwood.com/newslet/newsltr2.htm

Summary: This bit of information is a question and answer format that discusses the pros and cons of direct access to physical therapy. It gives answers to questions like, what does direct access mean to me, what is the advantage of direct access, and what can a PT do for me. It serves primarily as a source of information for those who are not aware of what it is that therapists do and what direct access means to people as patients.

Application: The questions in this article are those most frequently asked by patients. This will allow me to address the concerns of the use of direct access will only be used to promote the physical therapy profession with no regard for the patient. It also gives some interesting information about the physical therapy profession as a whole.

Crout, K., Hodgkins J., & Miller, D. (Jan 1998). Physical therapist’s opinions and practices regarding direct access. Physical Therapy, 78, 52-61.

Summary: This was a study that examined whether there were differences that existed in therapist’s opinions and practices regarding the use of direct access in their state, or the use of physician referral in a neighboring state. The study used practicing therapists in the states of Massachusetts (direct access), and Connecticut (physician referral). Both groups supported direct access, but those in Connecticut were more supportive of some restraints.

Application: This study gives me lots of statistics to use. For example, I can compare the number of patients seen and the satisfaction rate between the two models. Because of this article I can concentrate on the human aspect more than the monetary situation.

King, Ronette. (1998, September 19). HMO cuts red tape over specialists; United switches to direct access. Orleans, pp.C1.

Summary: This article is about a nationwide health insurance company allowing patients see specialists without having to see a primary care physician first. It summarizes the positives of being able to see a specialist without having to waste time or money by seeing a primary care physician first. Not only does this make it easier on the doctor by relieving some of the paper work, but it is easier on the patient also.

Application: The information in this article allows me to see the money saved by this corporation in allowing direct access to specialists. This information makes the claim that if it works for physicians, it can work for physical therapists also.