Evaluation and results
An observational pre-post study using quantitative methods was used to compare effectiveness and efficiencies between the standard model and the innovative transdisciplinary service.
SSSS demonstrated the ability to reduce the length of inpatient stay, reduce inpatient allied health occasion of service and total allied health hours to achieve supported discharges whilst increasing the breadth of assessment and post discharge support.
Comparisons between the innovative transdisciplinary model implemented and standard care, highlighted service efficiencies across multiple areas including:
- An average reduction in inpatient LOS of 33.9 hours (a 31.8 per cent reduction in mean LOS).
- Reduced occasions of service of summed PT and OT, on average, by 2.0 occasions and summed PT and OT inpatient time reduced, on average, by 36.5 minutes. – while still providing a more comprehensive and thorough targeted assessment.
- 70 per cent of patients in SSSS completed standardised outcome measures for balance, mobility, cognition, fine motor ability and functional performance level, compared with approximately 25-30 per cent in standard care.
- Significant reduction in assessment duplication between allied health disciplines (particularly in the areas of home environment, previous function, upper limb strength and sensation and visual field testing) with the implementation of SSSS.
- A transdisciplinary approach had significant positive effect on the patient journey along the continuum, reducing contact points both directly and non-directly with the patient.
The capacity for two-week follow-up enabled clinicians to thoroughly assess patients in their homes and to identify any ongoing issues. Home visits in the SSSS cohort were conducted 6.0 days post-discharge compared with an average 43.5 days post-discharge for the group receiving standard care. It is also pertinent to highlight that the same acute clinician continued to provide care for the patient for the two-week post-acute discharge period.
Supported discharges also assisted in identifying patients who would benefit from ongoing allied health from the community rehabilitation team. The SSSS actioned 17 referrals for ongoing community-based rehabilitation whereas standard care only actioned 4.
When compared with the standard model of care, it was also noted that the SSSS group, in the 6 months post CVA, had:
- Less ED presentations: (21 vs 15).
- Less hospital admissions (20 vs 13).
- If admitted, the SSSS had a mean reduced length of stay (189.2 hours vs 12.4 hours).
Lessons learnt
- The Calderdale Framework served as an effective change management tool for sharing tasks between disciplines pertinent to the assessment and management of this patient population.
- Thorough planning, training and assessment were required for safe transdisciplinary practice.
- The transition of training and assessment materials to online learning modules enhanced the efficiency and transparency of competency training for both trainers and clinicians.
References
Information on the Calderdale Framework is available at: https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/alliedhealth/html/calderdale-framework
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