Abstract
Abstract Background The Rehabilitation Complexity Scale Extended (RCSE) can measure both the rehabilitation needs and complexity of a patient group as well as the services and resources required to meet their needs. The tool is now used in Ireland to identify rehabilitation needs for both trauma and neurological rehabilitation. This pilot explored its application in an older adult’s rehabilitation unit to measure both rehabilitation complexity and outcome. Methods The RCSE was completed on admission and discharge for all older adults admitted to the unit during the pilot (March–May 2023). An analysis of the RCSE scores was completed using Microsoft Excel. Paired T Test was used to measure change in RCSE from admission to discharge. Results Forty-four patients were admitted during the RCSE pilot. The mean admission RCSE score was 10.5, median 10. The highest scoring domain was therapy need (mean 2.6, median 3) indicating 4–5 HSCP disciplines were required to meet their rehabilitation needs. The mean therapy intensity score was 2 indicating that daily individual therapy sessions was required to meet their rehabilitation needs. The mean nursing need score was 2 indicating most patients required nursing staff who were training or experienced in rehabilitation. Discharge RCSE was completed on 20 patients (mean score 1.7) and there was a significant decrease in mean discharge RCSE score (p < 0.0001) compared to admission. On discharge most patients had minimal rehabilitation needs, the mean therapy need score was 0.7 (median 1) reflecting those referred onward for low-intensity or maintenance rehabilitation input. Conclusion The RCSE was feasible to use as an outcome measure in an older adult’s rehabilitation unit. The primary domain of complexity in this sample was the number of disciplines needed and the high intensity of intervention required. This highlights the need for appropriately resourced and skilled rehabilitation services for older people in Ireland.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
