LAUSR

Background: An Integrated Care Team (ICT) commenced in January 2017 as a pioneer site of an integrated multidisciplinary team (geriatrician, a social worker, two clinical case managers, an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist). The role of the physiotherapist on a specialised Older Person’s ICT is a novel concept and needed to be appropriately developed. Methods: Meetings were held with physiotherapy managers across various sites, representing local primary, secondary and tertiary organisations to ascertain available physiotherapy resources, waiting lists and referral pathways; and to determine the needs of the older people accessing physiotherapy. A communication link was established between these areas to ensure seamless transition for the older person from one to another. Local voluntary organisations were visited in order to utilise existing community resources as viable exercise locations for older people; and to identify locations for health promotion in the community. The clinical role of the physiotherapist was developed for urgent assessment of mobility, falls and balance for people accessing the ICT. An education role was incorporated for educating ICT colleagues in completing and interpreting evidence based mobility and falls screening tools as part of the initial comprehensive assessment. Reflective practice is continuously implemented to assess progress and to further develop the role. Results: Diagnoses of Parkinson’s Disease and dementia have been identified as the highest need for physiotherapy in ICT to date. One third of people referred to ICT have been assessed by the physiotherapist and linked to appropriate services, and three health promotion talks have been delivered in the community. Conclusions: The physiotherapist on the ICT is a bridge between primary, secondary and tertiary organisations. There has been positive feedback to date. New service developments have been identified and will continue to inform the physiotherapist’s evolving role. Reference Health Service Executive (HSE), available online at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/ 4/olderpeople/sat/ Accessed on 05/05/17.