| Summary: | Prolonged length of stay (LOS) is a significant financial burden to the hospitals.
Although Physiotherapists (PT) are expanding their role in different areas of health
care, including Emergency Care (EC), the impact of late shift PT input on LOS is
not yet known. The objective was to determine the impact of the late shift Rapid
Response Team (RRT) input on LOS and discharge destination. Patients who are
referred to the RRT Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy (PT/OT) include those
with musculoskeletal conditions, cardio-respiratory and neurological problems.
The therapists establish patient’s premorbid mobility level, social status and
complete mobility and balance assessments. The outcome measures considered
for this study was LOS and discharge destination. A total of 131 patients were
assessed during 2016/2017. Out of 131, 72 patients were discharged on the day
of treatment. Out of 138 patients referred during 2017/2018, 79 patients were
discharged on the day of assessment. Most patients had significant comorbidities
when admitted as the number of comorbidities is approximately four conditions
for both durations. The discharge destination included from patients own home,
rehabilitation hospital, long stay wardand interim placementfrom ward and this
has saved 151 bed days in the hospital. Late shift RRT service in the ED resulted in
reduced LOS and improved discharge destination.
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