| Title: | The role of a Specialist Physiotherapist in Respiratory Pathways in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH). |
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| Author(s): | Cunneen, S. Cullen, J. Moloney E. Lane S. Kooblall M. |
| Institution: | Tallaght University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | Asthma and COPD |
| Abstract: | In January 2019 a six-month 0.5 WTE Physiotherapy post was established with the aim of reducing length of stay (LOS) and improving quality of care for respiratory patients. Funding to further progress this post was resumed in January 2020. Data was collected and analysed from January to July 2020. The Physiotherapist screened respiratory patients on their first weekday of admission (n=554). Discharge planning commenced and 356 discharges were accelerated. Patients were discharged to Peamount Healthcare Rehabilitation Unit (PHRU) (n=102) if appropriate. Patients who were discharged home accessed services such as COPD Outreach (n=161), Pulmonary Rehabilitation (n=104) and Oxygen clinic (n=70) if required. The LOS of COPD patients reduced by 2 days. There was an increase in transfers to PHRU and 25% patients transferred within 72 hours of admission. TUH patients spent a cumulative of over 1,290 bed days in PHRU indicating the number of bed days saved in the acute setting. A patient satisfaction survey was conducted; 108 patients were contacted via phonecall and 49 agreed to participate. It found that 82% of patients reported there was no unnecessary waiting or delays during their admission and 67% reported that they were informed of their plan of care. The Specialist Physiotherapist in Respiratory Pathways improved the efficiency of transfers to PHRRU. This had a positive impact on LOS for COPD patients in TUH. Patients had an early discharge from hospital with appropriate follow up and were satisfied with the service. |
