Rehabilitation Hospital Research Articles

Perceptions of physical activity among individuals with limb loss: A qualitative study.

Individuals with lower-limb amputations (LLA) often have deficits in balance and community walking ability. As a result, people with LLA are often sedentary. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of physical activity from the perspective of people with LLA. A qualitative descriptive study situated within an interpretive research paradigm was conducted. Semistructured interviews were held by telephone or in person with adults living with major LLAs recruited from rehabilitation hospitals and advertisements on social media. Individuals were included if they were age 18 years and older with a major LLA. Purposive sampling was used to ensure variation by sex, cause, and level of amputation. Thirty-three people with LLA participated (22 men/11 women; median age 63 years). The majority of individuals had a unilateral, transtibial amputation (∼50% dysvascular LLA). Three main themes were developed to characterize participants' perceptions of physical activity: (1) physical activity is perceived as important but can be challenging after amputation; (2) physical activity has physical and mental health benefits; and (3) physical activity is a means to maintain independence and engagement in community and social life. Obtaining the perspectives of individuals with LLA about physical activity helps us understand how they think about it, what motivates them, and how we can optimize physical activity levels. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to enhance physical activity in this population.

Distribution of Staphylococcus aureus carriage among healthcare workers in a Japanese convalescent and rehabilitation hospital.

Earlobes, nasal cavities, and fingers of 145 healthcare workers in convalescent and rehabilitation hospital (60 nurses and 85 rehabilitation healthcare workers) were sampled. Of the 3 sites sampled, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in one or more sites in 25 nurses and 27 rehabilitation workers. S. aureus was detected in all 3 sites in 2 (8.0%) nurses and 2 (7.4%) rehabilitation workers, and the S. aureus isolates in each case showed related PFGE pattern. S. aureus was detected in both the fingers and nasal cavities of 5 (18.5%) of the rehabilitation healthcare workers; in all 5 cases, the PFGE patterns of the S. aureus isolates from each site belonged to same cluster based on PFGE. Of the 2 cases in which methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) was recovered from earlobes, fingers, and nasal cavities, in both cases, MRSA isolates from the 3 sites were the same clone according to PFGE analysis and SCCmec type IV. As S. aureus was detected in pierced earlobes of nurses, hand hygiene must be practiced after touching pierced earlobes and before patient contact. The same S. aureus clone in the nasal cavity and earlobes indicates that the route of transmission is through the fingers.

Application of Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in Medium and Short Period Traumatic Orthopedic Surgeries

Objective:Application of Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) as a ventilation method has been rarely explored in short and medium period orthopedic operations. In this study, we evaluated ventilatory efficacy of LMA in patients admitted to Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, Vietnam via a number of patient indicators including changes of pulse, blood pressure, airway pressure, SpO2 and pressure of CO2 at the end of an exhaled breath (EtCO2).
 Method: A total of 154 emergency and elective surgery cases with anesthesia were selected for the study.
 Result: One minute after LMA insertion to discontinuation of anesthetic, we recorded slower pulse of patients but only twenty-six cases (16.9%) required intravenous administration of atropine. Blood pressure of patients dropped after 1 minute following LMA insertion but then recovered afterward and only nine cases (5.8%) needed administration of ephedrine.
 Conclusion: After surgery, only eleven (7.15%) patients experienced oral mucosal bleeding but no further special treatment was used.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 207-213

Analysis of immune cells and risk factors related to lower limb deep vein thrombosis in patients with cerebral infarction.

This study retrospectively analyzed data from 174 patients with cerebral infarction admitted to The Rehabilitation Department of Shanghai Fifth Rehabilitation Hospital and Shanghai First People's Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. Based on the results of lower limb venous color Doppler ultrasound examinations, patients were divided into two groups: the LDVT group (35 cases) and the non-LDVT group (139 cases). We compared the clinical data and hematologic indicators (D-dimer value, fibrinogen, white blood cells, platelets, uric acid, creatinine, etc.) of the two groups to identify the risk factors of cerebral infarction complicated with LDVT. Statistical analysis revealed that the D-dimer values of the LDVT group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the non-LDVT group. The uric acid value of the LDVT group was significantly lower than that of the non-LDVT group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The Brunnstrom staging in the LDVT group was significantly different from that in the non-LDVT group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, binary logistic regression analysis showed that LDVT complicated with cerebral infarction was associated with D-dimer level [OR=1.302, 95% CI (1.077, 1.575)], uric acid level [OR=0.995, 95% CI (0.990, 1.000)], and Brunnstrom staging [OR=3.005, 95% CI (1.312, 6.880)]. D-dimer value, uric acid value, and Brunnstrom stage I to II are closely related to the occurrence of LDVT in patients with cerebral infarction. High D-dimer value, low uric acid value, and Brunnstrom stage I to II are independent risk factors for LDVT in cerebral infarction. Early assessment of D-dimer value, uric acid value, and Brunnstrom stage of cerebral infarction should be considered in clinical practice.

Relationship Between Dementia and Systemic Metabolic Disorders.

Recent research has linked systemic metabolic disorders to cognitive decline and dementia risk, including Alzheimer's. This is suspected to be due to lifestyle-related vascular impairments from atherosclerosis and other factors, such as malnutrition and anaemia. Applying deep learning using 2897 cases from a rehabilitation hospital and health screenings, we trained a model to predict cognitive function [mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores] and brain atrophy [Brain Healthcare Quotient (BHQ) scores] from basic blood tests and age. The deep learning model accurately estimated MMSE and BHQ from these inputs, with age, nutritional information, and organ function indicators being top predictors. These findings highlight the relationship of dementia with systemic metabolic disorders and suggest the potential of using routine blood tests for dementia risk assessment. Furthermore, personalised dietary interventions could be tailored based on blood test anomalies. This holistic view mirrors traditional Chinese medicine, which considers brain disorders systemic, that is related to vital organs but not the brain itself.

Varicella zoster virus outbreak in a long-term care unit of a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Nosocomial outbreak of varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been reported when susceptible individuals encounter a case of chicken pox or shingles. A suspected VZV outbreak was investigated in a 50-bedded in-patient facility of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in a tertiary care multispecialty hospital. A 30-year-old female patient admitted with Pott's spine was clinically diagnosed with chicken pox on 31 December 2022. The following week, four more cases were identified in the same ward. All cases were diagnosed as laboratory-confirmed varicella zoster infection by PCR. Primary case was a housekeeping staff who was clinically diagnosed with chicken pox 3weeks prior (9 December 2022). He returned to work on eighth day of infection (17 December 2022) after apparent clinical recovery but before the lesions had crusted over. Thirty-one HCWs were identified as contacts a and three had no evidence of immunity. Two of these susceptible HCWs had onset of chickenpox shortly after first dose of VZV vaccination was inoculated. All cases recovered after treatment with no reported complications. VZV infection is highly contagious in healthcare settings with susceptible populations. Prompt identification of cases and implementation of infection prevention and control measures like patient isolation and vaccination are essential for the containment of outbreaks.

Evaluation of Knee Radiograph and its Interrelation between Body Mass Index and Range of Motion in Osteoarthritic Knee

Abstract Context: Assessing knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiologically is a well-recognised investigation technique. Range of motion (ROM) measurement gives an idea about the functional status of the joint. Body mass index (BMI) increment is one of the risk factors of worsening knee OA. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate OA radiologically and to search the status of BMI, ROM and Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of osteoarthritic knee patients and find their interrelations. Settings: This study was conducted at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh. Designs: This was a cross-sectional study. Methodology: Purposive selection of 66 primary OA knees was done. Compartmental distribution of osteoarthritic knee was determined. Radiographics were determined by KL score system. BMI was calculated conventionally. Maximum flexion, extension and total excursion were measured by a universal goniometer. Results: Fifty per cent of participants had tricompartmental OA. Patients with maximum KL score 2 had significantly more total excursion (127.44 ± 2.89) compared to maximum KL score 3 (121.51 ± 3.14) and 4 (110.00 ± 3.58). Subjects with normal BMI had significantly more total excursion (125.00 ± 4.21) compared to overweight (121.03 ± 6.84) and obese patients (122.54 ± 4.31) (P = 0.044). 60.9% of subjects with normal BMI had significantly more maximum KL score 2 compared to overweight (33.3%) and obese patients (7.7%). A positive correlation was present between BMI and maximal KL score (r = 0.345, P = 0.005). A significant strong negative correlation was found between maximal KL score and total excursion (r = −0.825, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Different percentages of unicompartmental, bicompartmental and tricompartmental knee OA were found. Osteoarthritic patients with higher BMI had lower ROM and increased KL radiographic scores.

Nutrition knowledge as a determinant of rehabilitation efficacy in sport-related injuries

Background: Sports-related injuries pose a significant health and economic challenge globally, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) being no exception. The role of nutrition knowledge (NK) in both sports performance and injury management is paramount. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the levels of nutritional knowledge and explore the factors influencing it among injured athletes in the KSA, in order to determine the relationship between nutritional knowledge and the probability of injury recurrence. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions (North, Central, South, East, and West) of the KSA between December 2023 and March 2024. An online survey was utilized to collect data, with invitations to participate being distributed to rehabilitation centers and hospitals across various regions of Saudi Arabia. Results: The survey assessed NK levels and explored determinants of NK among injured athletes in Saudi Arabia. A total of 125 participants, comprising 96 men and 29 women, completed a self-reported structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that a considerable proportion of injured athletes exhibited a poor understanding of NK, with 68.8% achieving scores within the poor knowledge range. Furthermore, the study identified significant disparities in knowledge levels based on educational level (P = 0.001). In addition, a strong correlation was reported between good NK and a reduced likelihood of recurring injuries (P = 0.039). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for targeted nutrition education to enhance injured athletes’ rehabilitation and well-being. Addressing the poor knowledge of nutrition is therefore crucial in optimizing the recovery and performance outcomes of injured athletes in Saudi Arabia.

Approaches of emergency department to burns management: a systematic review

Burn injuries in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) pose particular difficulties. Expert knowledge, specialized abilities, and prompt access to technical resources are all advantageous for burn management. There is a clear need to improve burn care competency, given the prevalence of burn MCIs worldwide and the considerable variations in current burn treatment practices. This study aimed to evaluate the approaches to burn management in the emergency department. This was an updated systematic review that addressed research conducted between 2012 and 2023 regarding burn management strategies in emergency rooms. Studies were examined using the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The terms were employed in different combinations and included \&amp;quot;approaches, guidelines, burn, management, emergency, and department.\&amp;quot; Furthermore, a review of original literature was conducted about methods to burn care in the emergency department. Publications in full text were used as the inclusion criterion. Out of the 85 articles that were acquired, only nine were deemed suitable for inclusion. Every study was a retrospective study. Approximately 1,135,990 burn patients were included in the research population; 622 of these patients were children (0–15 years old) who had acute burns and were hospitalized within 24 hours of the injury. Burn patients require substantial continuous medical and psychological care. Approaches to burn management included first aid, immediate hospital management, fluid resuscitation, escharotomy, analgesia, surgery and rehabilitation.

Return to Sports in Stress Reaction and Stress Fractures in Indian Athletes: A Case Series.

A stress fracture is a painful condition which occurs when the adaptive ability of the bone is unbalanced. This imbalance predominantly occurs due to increased intensity, frequency, or duration of training. Identifying the etiology of stress fracture and its proper treatment prevents recurrence. Besides, evidence-based and supervised rehabilitation is indispensable for permanent remission of pain and return to sports to preinjury functional levels. The case series discusses the continuum of stress reaction to stress fracture in athletes, causes of stress fractures, their management, and return to sport. The paper aims to give a clear discussion about the management with rehabilitation guidelines for metabolic causes of stress fractures. This study was a case series of five cases coming to Sports Medicine outpatient clinic of Sports Injury Centre, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, and physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow over a period of 1 year. The discussed cases are young Indian athletes, both male and females, who have presentation along the continuum of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) to stress reactions and stress fracture. The findings of the paper highlight the significance of rehabilitation for individuals suffering from MTSS. Accurate diagnosis with targeted rehabilitation leads to quicker return to sports. The rehabilitation program comprises of identifying and treating the cause of stress fracture, removing any risk factors, biomechanical correction wherever indicated, structured exercise program, training in underwater treadmill, cyclical increase in loading, reducing activity every 3rd week.

Эффективность программы ранней реабилитации с применением дистанционных технологий на амбулаторном этапе у пациентов после хирургической коррекции приобретенных клапанных пороков сердца

Aim: to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a combined rehabilitation consisting of early rehabilitation with physical training in the hospital and remote rehabilitation using a mobile application in the outpatient setting after surgery for acquired valvular heart disease (VHD) using bypass Patients and Methods: the study involved 68 patients who underwent surgery for VHD, with 34 patients in the study group and 34 patients in the control group, based on their rehabilitation approach The study group consisted of two subgroups based on the type of rehabilitation. The subgroup that underwent complex rehabilitation (n=16) participated in treadmill training for 2 weeks in the inpatient setting at least 8 days after surgery, followed by remote rehabilitation in the outpatient setting using a mobile application. The subgroup that underwent remote rehabilitation (n=18) did not undergo early inpatient treadmill training. The control group only received standard cardiac rehabilitation methods Results: there were no significant differences in the rate or type of complications during the early postoperative period A more significant improvement in functional status was reported in the subgroup that underwent complex rehabilitation 24 days after surgery, compared to patients who did not receive early physical training as part of their rehabilitation program. The subgroup undergoing complex rehabilitation showed a significantly greater improvement in exercise tolerance (p=0.03) and peak oxygen uptake (p=0.04) 24 days after surgery. These indices continued to increase (p=0.04; p=0.03) by month 4 of the follow-up compared to postoperative day 7. These changes were more significant in the complex rehabilitation group than in the remote rehabilitation group. Patients who underwent complex rehabilitation showed better adherence to using the mobile application for remote rehabilitation than patients who underwent remote rehabilitation (50% vs. 38.8%; p=0.04). Conclusion: the rehabilitation program for patients after surgery for VHD, which includes early moderate-intensity physical treadmill training followed by outpatient distance rehabilitation using a mobile application, is safe and effective This is demonstrated by a significant improvement in functional status Additionally, early initiation of physical training is associated with better adherence to further use of distance rehabilitation technologies KEYWORDS: valvular heart disease, heart surgery, postoperative cardiac rehabilitation, early rehabilitation, remote rehabilitation FOR CITATION: Lyapina I.N., Argunova Yu.A., Dren E.V.', Chereneva L.A., Barbarash O.L. Effectiveness of early rehabilitation program with remote technologies in the outpatient setting after surgery for acquired valvular heart disease. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(1):16–25 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-1-3.

Characteristic Behaviors of Pain During Movement in the Older Individuals with Dementia.

This study assessed the pain associated with movement and exercise in older individuals with cognitive decline, using the Abbey Pain Scale (APS) to identify the sub-items that effectively reflect pain during such activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 225 older patients with musculoskeletal disorders and cognitive decline at the Ikeda Rehabilitation Hospital in Toyama, Japan. Pain during walking or transferring was assessed using the verbal rating scale (VRS) and the APS. Item response theory (IRT) was used to identify the APS sub-items that most accurately reflected the presence and degree of pain. Pain associated with movement scored 1.3 ± 1.1 on the VRS and 2.5 ± 2.6 on the APS. The IRT analysis extracted "vocalization", "facial expression", and "change in body language" as the most reliable indicators of pain. These extracted items showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.72), were significantly positively related to changes in the VRS (rs = 0.370, p < 0.001), and showed significant differences between patients with and without subjective pain. Our study suggests that the APS sub-items "vocalization", "facial expression", and "change in body language" may be the most effective indicators of pain during movement and exercise in older individuals with cognitive decline. This approach may enhance the reliability of pain assessments and management during exercise therapy.

Impact of functional independence and sociodemographic factors on post-stroke discharge destination in a super-aged rural community in Japan.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the factors influencing the discharge destination of stroke patients in a super-aged rural community in Japan, focusing on functional independence and sociodemographic factors. Patients and Methods: We enrolled patients recovering from stroke with supratentorial lesions who were admitted to our convalescent rehabilitation hospital. The motor components of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) were assessed for each patient at admission and discharge as explanatory variables. An increase in the FIM-motor scores during hospitalization was also recorded. Additionally, sociodemographic data such as sex, age, and clinical characteristics, such as type of stroke, history of stroke, days from stroke onset to transfer to our convalescent rehabilitation hospital, total duration of hospital stay including acute care, number of co-resident household members, living with a spouse, and number of children were collected. As target values, discharge outcomes were categorized into two groups: returning home and going to a nursing home. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The study sample comprised 160 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 74.80 ± 12.19 years). Of these, 114 were discharged to their homes, and 46 were transferred to nursing homes. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher FIM-motor scores at discharge, greater number of co-resident household members, and living with one's spouse were the most powerful predictors of a higher probability of returning home. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that functional independence levels and the number of co-resident household members were crucial factors in predicting the discharge destination of patients after stroke in a super-aged rural community in Japan. These findings imply that for older patients with lower functional independence, supportive social networks are essential for home discharge, offering clues for providing long-term healthcare in super-aged rural communities worldwide.

Effectiveness study of surface electromyography combined with spine 3D data system to evaluate scoliosis.

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of surface electromyography combined with a spine 3D data system. 10 idiopathic scoliosis patients (age: 12.90±3.67 years, height: 155.90±20.07 cm, weight: 48.00±12.86 kg, 6 major thoracic lateral bends and 4 lumbar bends) who were selected to attend the outpatient clinic of Ruijin Rehabilitation Hospital, First diagnosed as scoliosis by imaging examination (EOS system), evaluation by using the surface electromyography monitoring system, the radiation-free 3D spine data acquisition and analysis system, the surface electromyography of the paravertebral muscles (root mean square value (RMS) of the resting standing and action position of the spine) and the Cobb angle of scoliosis were recorded. The RMS of the convex side was larger than that of the concave side in the two postures (P<0.05), and The RMS value of bilateral action position was significantly higher than that of rest position (P<0.05). There was no correlation between RMS ratio and Cobb angle in two positions of thoracic scoliosis (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation between the RMS ratio at rest position of lumbar scoliosis and Cobb angle. At rest, the RMS value of convex side was significantly correlated with the Cobb angle measured by the EOS system and the 3D data system (P<0.05, of which P<0.01). The Cobb angle measured by 3D data system and the EOS system was significantly correlated (P<0.01). Surface EMG can be used to evaluate the motor function of paravertebral muscles on both sides of scoliosis patients. The new 3D data system has high accuracy in evaluating scoliosis. The combination of the two can dynamically evaluate scoliosis, which is more clinically effective.

A comprehensive study of psychological well-being and traditional Chinese medicine constitutions among model workers in Beijing.

Body constitution is the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and model workers consist of a special group of workers within China. This study aims to research the relationship between the physical body constitutions based on TCM and the mental health of model workers. We recruited 314 model workers from Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital to conduct the questionnaires such as SCL-90 and CCMQ to investigate if there is an association between mental health status and TCM body constitutions. We performed a Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS path modeling). Our path model results revealed associations between different TCM constitution types and SCL scores, which serve as indicators of psychological well-being. Our research findings demonstrate a strong correlation between the Balanced constitution and elevated levels of psychological well-being, with a path coefficient of -0.503. In contrast, the other eight constitutional types exhibit path coefficients exceeding 0.3, indicating a tendency toward lower levels of psychological well-being. We also investigated the intricate connections between various TCM constitutional types and both mild and severe psychological well-being. In conclusion, the Balanced constitution continues to be closely associated with higher levels of psychological well-being, while the remaining eight body constitution types are consistently linked to lower levels of psychological well-being.

Need Assessment on Preventive Measures Among Women with Obstetric Fistula Attending Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Need Assessment on Preventive Measures Among Women with Obstetric Fistula Attending Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Telerehabilitation from the perspective of patients and healthcare providers: A 3-year follow-up study.

It is important to investigate satisfaction and perception of the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and its outcomes post-COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluate the patients' and healthcare providers' level of satisfaction with telerehabilitation and perception of its efficacy and describe how it became an established resource in a network of rehabilitation hospitals post-pandemic. The online survey about their experience with telerehabilitation was completed by 2,755 patients (322 new patients and 2,433 existing patients), and 668 providers from 26 different specialties. Most patients and providers rated remote care as effective. There were no differences in scores between existing patients and new patients and the majority reported that their expectations were met. Most patients described their remote consults as good as or better than in-person, while providers mostly preferred in-person sessions. Despite most modalities having returned to in-person practice, there is still a significant percentage of telerehabilitation consults. Three years after the start of the pandemic, despite a return to in-person treatment, we see a telerehabilitation culture being constructed as a resource to supplement the rehabilitation process, with potential for establishing this model in a network of rehabilitation hospitals.

Challenges Faced by Women With Neuromuscular Diseases When Having to Urinate Away From Home

The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges women with neuromuscular disease face when having to urinate when away from home. The design for this study was qualitative using the interpretive description methodology and the Sense of Coherence theory. The method was three semi-structured focus group interviews with 12 women (3 ambulant and 9 non-ambulant) with neuromuscular diseases at a specialized rehabilitation hospital. We found that physical and functional barriers hampered the opportunity to urinate when away from home due to lack of accessibility and impaired physical functioning. Psychosocial impacts were related to inconvenience and dependency on relatives, fear of stigmatization and impacted dignity, and the constant social sacrifices. The challenge of access to adequate and equitable sanitation for women with neuromuscular diseases is not at always met in society, and these women consequently often must resort to repressing the fundamental need to urinate.

The Impact and Feasibility of a Student-led Program to Connect Patients and Caregivers via Synchronous Audiovisual Technology During Restricted Visitation Policies.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, hospital visitation restrictions hindered patients' access to vital social support. This study explores the impact and feasibility of a student-led program facilitating audiovisual communication between inpatient rehabilitation patients and their caregivers. The study design employed a prospective observational approach, and convenience sampling enrolled 99 participants, including 33 patients, 33 caregivers, and 33 medical students. From September 2021 to March 2022, eligible patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital identified a caregiver and participated in a 30-minute audiovisual call organized by a medical student. Post-visit surveys via RedCap were completed by all participants and covered limitations in video calls, program benefits, comfort levels in video conferencing, and overall program ratings. The study adopted a quantitative research paradigm for data analysis. Statistical analysis utilized pairwise McNemar's and Wilcoxon's test for inter-group comparison. Patients, caregivers, and medical students all reported positive outcomes in program offerings including providing social support, decreasing feelings of isolation, and providing a feeling of connection. Patients rated the program 4.82 ± 0.47 on a Likert scale, with 97% recommending it to others, even beyond visitation restrictions. The most common diagnosis among patients was stroke (30%), highlighting the program's potential applicability across diverse patient populations. Caregivers rated the program 4.59 ± 0.87 and expressed a desire for its continuation post-restrictions (80%). Medical students (81%) recommended the program, citing benefits in reducing social isolation and gaining clinical experience. No statistical differences were observed between groups in emotional and humanistic domains. This study highlights the potential for programs to utilize technology to address social isolation in the healthcare setting. When public health restrictions occur, medical educators should consider opportunities to support and foster innovation for student-led programs. Further research should explore broader impacts on healthcare outcomes and medical education.

Evaluation of a novel sub-acute Hospital in the Home model for providing inpatient geriatric and rehabilitation services.

ObjectiveTo report on the development and implementation of a multidisciplinary, sub-acute Geriatric Evaluation and Management Rehabilitation Hospital in the Home (GEMRHITH) model of care with the initial 2years' service outcome data (October 2019 - September 2021).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using hospital centralised data, and the GEMRHITH internal service database. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the patient population. Student's t-test was used for comparative data.ResultsOver 2years, GEMRHITH admitted 617 patients (13%, n=82 directly from the emergency department). Median age was 82years (range, 32-102 years), with 60.5% (n=373) being female and 39.5% (n=244) presenting with moderate frailty. Most patients (79.6%, n=491) entered from a medical speciality (28.5%, n=178 from neurology). Average GEMRHITH stay was 6days (range, 1-33 days). Average bed occupancy was 5.3 virtual beds. There was an average of 26 discharges per month with 97% of patients (n=598) discharged to their own home. Transfers back to the emergency department with the same diagnosis-related group were low (3.6%). The 7-28day re-admission rate was 2.3%. Service safety was high, with only eight hospital-acquired complications reported in seven patients. Significant improvements were noted for total and sub-scale Functional Independence Measure scores (P<0.001).ConclusionsThe addition of rehabilitation and geriatric care to traditional HITH services provides opportunities for multidisciplinary teams to support a larger cohort of patients with various medical and surgical conditions and functional abilities, to efficiently transition home from hospital settings. There were minimal complications and occupied bed stays were saved within a hospital.