Susan Thomas, Ceri-Ann Hughes, Sian Todd, Lisa Jenkins and Niki Turner
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
The need to deliver 7-day stroke rehabilitation through an integrated multidisciplinary workforce was identified in staff engagement workshops.
This project aimed to provide patient-centred, focused rehabilitation and enhanced ward activity, over 7 days, by trialling the role of Rehab Assistant (RA).
Method:
The RA role was trialled with a group of 15 patients (yellow team) over 8 weeks. RAs received training from each of the therapy disciplines to enhance their knowledge and skills in the delivery of rehabilitation programs. 6 RAs working a 7 day job plan provided rehab input and activities every day. 16 student volunteers were also recruited to assist in running activities.
Results:
Length of Stay in Days
Six patients spent their whole stay in the RA group. Their average length of stay was 24 days compared with 58 days as the average for the whole ward in 2015.
Patient Satisfaction increased by 10% in Yellow team
RA Contact Times
Service Improvement Outcomes:
Introduction of the RA role has had a positive impact on the rehabilitation delivered at the centre.
Following this project, it is recommended that the RA role continues and is rolled out to the whole ward, with more detailed exploration of how the role fits into an integrated multidisciplinary workforce and implementation of an integrated tripartite leadership model.
