Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation: exploring staff perceptions

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Physiotherapy Practice

Background:

• Weekend rehabilitation services are increasingly offered in Australia.
• Staff engagement is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation service delivery.
• Previous research indicates weekend services enhance patient quality of life and functional independence while reducing length of stay (LOS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore multidisciplinary staff perceptions of implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in a private rehabilitation unit.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to the 6-day service implementation.
• To evaluate staff views on the service's impact on LOS and patient goal attainment.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted.
• A survey was administered to all multidisciplinary staff at three time points: pre-implementation, post-implementation, and post-modification.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Fifty-one staff members (50% response rate) participated.
• Initially, staffing and patient selection were perceived as major barriers; these concerns diminished post-implementation.
• Staff perceptions shifted from uncertainty to positivity regarding the 6-day service's impact on LOS and patient goal attainment.

Conclusions:

• Initial perceived barriers to a 6-day rehabilitation service did not materialize after implementation.
• Staff reported improved LOS and patient goal attainment following the 6-day service, especially when incorporating feedback.
• Engaging staff and maintaining open communication are vital for successful implementation of new rehabilitation services.