Impact of a person-centred community rehabilitation service on outcomes for individuals with a neurological condition.
To evaluate the impact of a person-centred, community rehabilitation service on outcomes for people with a neurological condition, in the first year of service.



A prospective, observational, pre-post study was conducted with 206 people who had a neurological condition and attended the rehabilitation service to restore function (e.g., Stroke); maximize recovery in an ongoing situation (e.g., Spina Bifida); or maximize function and independence while preparing for inevitable decline (e.g., Parkinson's Disease). Outcomes were measured via self-report questionnaires, prior to, and following three months of rehabilitation. The primary outcome was achievement of self-identified goals, measured by the Patient-Specific Functional scale. Secondary outcomes included the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, EQ-5D-5L European Quality of Life scale, and ICECAP-O - Index of Capability for Older Adults and health and medical resource use.



Participants demonstrated significant goal achievement and a significant reduction in health and medical resource use. There were small positive changes in the Lawton IADL, EQ-5D-5L, and ICECAP-O however these changes were not significant.



In the first year of operation, the community rehabilitation service made a significant impact on outcomes for individuals with a neurological condition. Further research is required to identify appropriate measures of activities of daily living and quality of life that reflect person-centred rehabilitation outcomes for restoring function, maximizing function, or preparing for functional decline. Implications for Rehabilitation Self-identified goals are an important guide for achievement of meaningful outcomes for individuals with a neurological condition. Person-centred outcome measures are required to evaluate the benefits of a person-centred community rehabilitation service for individuals with a neurological condition.
a College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University , Townsville and Cairns , QLD , Australia.|b Community Rehabilitation Northern Queensland, Northern Australia Primary Health Ltd. , Townsville , QLD , Australia.
Ruth N
RN
Barker
a College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University , Townsville and Cairns , QLD , Australia.|b Community Rehabilitation Northern Queensland, Northern Australia Primary Health Ltd. , Townsville , QLD , Australia.
Cindy J
CJ
Sealey
b Community Rehabilitation Northern Queensland, Northern Australia Primary Health Ltd. , Townsville , QLD , Australia.
Michelle L
ML
Polley
c Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.
Merehau C
MC
Mervin
c Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.|d Metro North Hospital and Health Service District , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.
Tracy
T
Comans
D000124:Achievement; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D057566:Self Report; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Goals; rural and remote; service evaluation; student-assisted