Patient Experience of a Rehabilitation-Focussed Physiotherapist on an acute Older Person’s Unit
Abstract
Background
Data has identified that the physiotherapy caseload on admission to an acute Older Persons Unit (OPU) is becoming more challenging over time. Admission Elderly Mobility Scores (EMS) have significantly reduced, patients require more physical assistance, and the ongoing shift in hospital focus from patient rehabilitation to patient flow alongside a stronger discharge to assess initiative has increased patient turnover. This has resulted in more demand for initial assessments, and higher numbers of rehabilitation patients being prioritised out due to team capacity.
To counteract this, a new rehabilitation-focussed post was created within the OPU Physiotherapy team. This study aims to review the impact of this role on patient experience within the OPU Physiotherapy service.
Methods
4 patients participated in this study using semi-structured interviews. Inclusion criteria were patients who were managed under the new rehabilitation caseload for over one week, with the cognitive ability to engage in an interview. After transcription, thematic analysis was used to review the findings.
Results
Five themes were identified, all of a positive nature: Individualised, Relationship & Rapport, Consistency, Motivation & Mood, and Holistic. Sub-themes included the thoroughness of the rehabilitation, high-level communication skills, mood impact and motivation.
All patients interviewed had a positive rehabilitation experience. A benefit reported was the consistency of the therapist, with one participant remarking “the fact that a specific person said I’m your point of contact, I am in charge of your case and we got on with it was refreshing and exactly what I was looking for”. Further benefits included rapport building, more efficient facilitation of discharge planning/discussions, psychological benefits, tangible progression and tailored rehabilitation.
Conclusion
The new rehabilitation-focussed physiotherapy role had a subjectively positive effect on patients’ rehabilitation experience within the OPU. Further work to review quantitative changes is warranted.