Study to evaluate the interruption of care on the Phoenix centre for rehabilitation

Abstract

In the phoenix centre for rehabilitation, patients receive ongoing rehabilitation by the means of goal directed physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology and other members of the MDT. This ongoing care on occasions is interrupted by both planned and unplanned events. The aim of the study was to identify the number of patients that had episode(s) of interrupted care, onset of interruption, identifying the nature of interruption as well as the age groups and patient category at risk of interruptions. Also, to monitor the impact on rehabilitation by the means of FIM and FAM and RCS scores. Retrospective study that included all admissions to the Phoenix rehabilitation unit from May 2015 to June 2016. Data was collected from patients’ notes, investigations and blood results as well as from the Rehabilitation network Discharge summaries. Ten patients out of 77 (13%) admissions required interruption of their care and transferred to acute services. A total of 17 episodes occurred: 11 unplanned (emergency) episodes and 6 planned episodes. Higher age groups (> 60 years) had higher incidence of interruption of care. The 1st week of admission had the highest number of interruptions. Neurology patients had the most interruptions to their care. Sepsis was the main reason for unplanned (emergency) transfer and chemotherapy treatment was main reason for planned transfers. Successful Improvement in FIM and FAM scores as well as reduction in RCS score was noted for all patients despite interruption of care. The study showed the need for closer monitoring of higher age groups and closer monitoring in the first week of admission. More emphasis on infection control measures and means to reduce the risk of sepsis. Despite interruption of care most patients’ assessment, scores showed successful improvement in targeted function. We aim to extend the study to involve a larger cohort of patients.