Authors (including presenting author) :
MOK HLT(1), CHEUNG WLA(1), Tsang PLC(1), LAM PL(1)
Dr. LIN OY (2), Dr. CHAN TC (2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Physiotherapy, Queen Mary Hospital
(2) Department of Medicine, Fung Yiu King Hospital
Introduction :
The New Service was implemented in Oct 2023 , aim to provide comprehensive home rehabilitation for post stroke and fracture hip patients after discharged from hospitals in Hong Kong West Cluster. Physiotherapists would take up the role as case managers by providing proactive rehabilitation and coordinate relevant community resources, aiming to enhance functional independence and reduce unplanned hospitalization.
Objectives :
To evaluate the physiotherapy service quality of Integrated Care and Discharge Support (ICDS) Rehabilitation Program for Stroke and Fracture Hip Patients
Methodology :
One year program evaluation on service quality and effectiveness from 1 Oct 2023 to 30 Sept 2024 was performed. The population data includes the total number of home visits and closed cases across the period. The captured individual deliverables including the modified functional ambulatory scale (MFAC), Barthel Index (BI) and Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) were analysed based on pre- and post- program. 50 percent of closed cases were randomly selected for telephone questionnaires on the overall satisfaction level.
Result & Outcome :
There were 65 stroke and 47 fracture hip patients recruited into the program. Along with incomplete data being excluded, a total of 41 patients with 261 home visits were performed and analysis was based on deliverables mentioned above. Both MFAC and BI showed significant improvements after the program. 66% of patients were able to walk independently post rehabilitation compared to a baseline of 24% . A slight increase in mean average BI score was observed. Nil significant changes were seen in AMT. All 20 patients reported 4/4 on the program satisfaction level.
To conclude, the major benefit is the improvement of mobility level for stroke and fracture hip patients and their ability in daily activities participation. In addition, it also reduces their hospital readmission chances while resuming community roles. Community physiotherapy has always been crucial in elderly patients’ rehabilitation journey. It might bring similar medical benefits if patients with other conditions such as vertebral compression fracture and Parkinson’s disease are recruited to this program in the future.
