The outcomes of back conservation education: occupational therapy study results in increased referrals and demonstrates program's benefits.
As part of a larger multidisciplinary study conducted at an acute care hospital, a three-phase study focused on an occupational therapy back conservation education program. A problem in care--limited patient education about back conservation--was identified. Because dissemination of information about underutilization of the program improved referrals only slightly, the basic procedure for referral was changed; this resulted in significant improvement. Flexibility and innovation in assessment approach were demonstrated by a post-discharge patient questionnaire and literature review utilized in the final phase of the study.
D004219:District of Columbia; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000628:therapy*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014600:Utilization Review