Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health

Aged Care
ProVISION OF HOME BASED REHABILITATION TO IMProVE FUNCTIONAL
inDEPenDenCE AND ABILITY TO MANAGE AT HOME FOLLOWING HOSPITAL
DISCHARGE
Hull S, Gale J, Gibson A, Hill K, Hutchison A, Lawlor V, McLoughlan A, Penberthy L, Tully N.
Background
The Extended Rehabilitation in the Home (ERITH) service was developed to provide patients with timely access to home
based rehabilitation to prevent readmissions to the emergency department.
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness of the ERITH service in improving client’s functional independence and ability to manage at
home following hospital discharge.
Methodology
Provision of home based Occupational Therapy and/or Physiotherapy following discharge from the emergency department,
short stay unit or the acute geriatric unit. Pre and post Timed Up and Go (TUG) outcome measures were recorded. Phone
interviews were completed at one and twelve months post intervention.
Results
113 clients consented to take part in the evaluation. A mean improvement of 11 seconds (33%) was recorded in the TUG.
82% of participants showed a decrease in emergency department presentations. 10% of participants reported having had a
fall(s) within one month post intervention, which increased to 28% by 12 months. At twelve months 89% of participants felt
they were managing at home, 76% were compliant with therapist recommendations, and 78% rated the ERITH service as
beneficial. 10% of participants were excluded from the evaluation due to readmission within the intervention period.
Conclusion
The ERITH service is effective at improving client’s functional independence and ability to manage at home following hospital
discharge evidenced by a decrease in emergency department presentations. A clinically significant improvement was
recorded in the TUG and participants reported a high level of compliance with therapist recommendations, ability to manage
at home, and satisfaction with the ERITH service.
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Research Week Abstract Book Northern Health 2013