LAUSR

Physical rehabilitation is related to better surgical and medical outcomes for patients (WHO, 2021). In hospitals, the role of the rehab team is essential to promote faster and better recovery and to prevent falls (Brett et al., 2019). We wanted to review the communication between the rehab team and medical team to aid discharge planning. Better communication can reduce repetition. A baseline survey was given to doctors, nurses, and rehab staff on a geriatric ward to review communication. The intervention was an A4 template highlighting the patients’ baseline and current function, which was placed by the bedside. A repeat survey was done to evaluate the effectiveness. Survey 1 had 13 participants. Survey 2 had 25 participants. 90% of doctors and nurses strongly agree that they need to know patients’ ability to transfer, mobilise, wash, dress and falls risks. 71.4% of rehab team agrees that patients’ rehab status is not clearly communicated between different members of the multidisciplinary team. 100% of rehab staff were asked about patient’s rehab status which improved to 71.4% after the intervention. After the intervention, 60% of doctors agree that they still find themselves asking other members of the MDT about patients’ rehab status, compared to only 37.5% of nurses. To know patients’ rehab status is extremely important for their medical management, nursing management, and for their safety. A simple intervention had improved the awareness of patient rehab status, reducing time wasted on repetition. Another cycle to further improve communication by a teaching session with be conducted at each rotation ensure sustainability. World Health Organization. (2021, November 10). “Rehabilitation.” Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rehabilitation. Brett, L., Noblet, T., Jorgensen, M. and Georgiou, A., 2019. The use of physiotherapy in nursing homes internationally: a systematic review. PLoS One, 14(7), p. e0219488.