Most Proposed Topic :
Healthcare Advances, Research and Innovations (new projects / technology)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lee KL (1), Leung MW(1), Wong YM(1), Lau CH(1), Chan MF(1), Kwan WS(1), Mak MY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority
Introduction: :
In current practice, rehabilitation services of PT and other allied health are only provided in the Acute Stoke Unit (ASU) and Neuro-surgical (NS) wards during weekdays, leaving a gap in service during weekends and public holidays.
Objectives: :
This study aims to: 1) Evaluate the efficiency of weekend PT rehabilitation for acute neurological patients. 2) Assess the impact of weekend PT on patient flow in ASU. 3) Gather perspectives on weekend rehabilitation from frontline physiotherapists and patients.
Methodology: :
Eleven stroke patients were recruited from Tuen Mun Hospital's ASU, meeting the following inclusion criteria: Premorbid mRS 0-2, Post Intrarterial therapy (IA) with mTICI score 2c or above, Post-thrombolysis within 24-72 hours, NIHSS: 5–16, MFAC: 4 or above, and Barthel Index (BI) over 50. Suitable cases were identified before holidays or on Fridays for training with outcome measurement across five domains: Functional mobility (MFAC, EMS, MRMI), balance (TUG, BBS), and physical strength (handgrip strength), plus length of stay in ASU and patient feedback
Result & Outcome: :
The intervention group showed significant improvements in MFAC (p=0.045), MRMI (p=0.03), and BBS (p=0.03), with non-significant improvements in EMS, TUG, and handgrip strength. The average length of stay was 6.2 days. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that weekend and holiday rehabilitation services were helpful for self-care skills, provided sufficient training, and were overall beneficial and satisfactory.
