A pragmatic implementation of a 6-day physiotherapy service in a mixed inpatient rehabilitation unit

作者：Caruana Erin L^*; Kuys Suzanne S; Clarke Jane; Bauer Sandra G

来源：Disability and Rehabilitation, 2017, 39(17): 1738-1743.

DOI：10.1080/09638288.2016.1211181

• Physiotherapy
• rehabilitation
• saturday service
• 6-day service
• length of stay
• outcomes

Purpose: This study determined the impact of a pragmatic 6-day physiotherapy service on length of stay, functional independence, gait and balance in people undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, compared to a 5-day service.Method: A prospective cohort study with historical comparison was undertaken in a mixed inpatient rehabilitation unit. Intervention period participants (2011) meeting inclusion criteria were eligible for a 6-day physiotherapy service. All other participants, including the historical cohort (2010) received usual care (5-day physiotherapy). Length of stay, functional independence, gait and balance performance were measured.Results: A total of 536 individuals participated in this study; 270 in 2011 (60% received 6-day physiotherapy) and 266 in 2010. Participants in 2011 showed a trend for reduced length of stay (1.7days, 95%CI -0.53 to 3.92) compared to 2010. Other measures showed no significant differences between cohorts. In 2011, those receiving 6-day physiotherapy were more dependent, but showed significantly improved functional independence and balance compared to those receiving 5-day physiotherapy (p<0.040) without impacting length of stay.Conclusion: Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in a real-world rehabilitation setting demonstrated a trend towards reduced length of stay, and improved functional gains. This service could lead to cost-savings for hospitals and improved patient flow.Implications for RehabilitationReal-world implementation of a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation shows a trend for reducing length of stay.This reduction in length of stay may lead to cost-savings for the hospital system, and improve patient flow into rehabilitation.Patients receiving 6-day physiotherapy made significant gains in balance and functional independence compared to patients receiving 5-day physiotherapy services in the rehabilitation setting.

• 出版日期2017