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



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.



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 (1.7 days, 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.



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 Rehabilitation "Real-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.
a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.|b Department of Physiotherapy , St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital , Brisbane , Australia.
Erin L
EL
Caruana
c School of Physiotherapy , Australian Catholic University , Brisbane , Australia.
Suzanne S
SS
Kuys
c School of Physiotherapy , Australian Catholic University , Brisbane , Australia.
Jane
J
Clarke
a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Sandra G
SG
Bauer
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011793:Queensland; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
6-day service; Physiotherapy; length of stay; outcomes; rehabilitation; saturday service