Evaluating a Novel Extended Scope of Occupational Therapy Service Aimed at Hospital Avoidance in Tasmania, Australia, from the Perspective of Stakeholders

Healthcare

Sarah Elliott¹  Leah Reid¹  Pieter Jan Van Dam²  Mitchell Dwyer³ 

[1] Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, 48 Liverpool St., Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia;School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 4–8 Bass Hwy, Burnie, TAS 7320, Australia;Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Medical Sciences Precinct, 17 Liverpool St., Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia;

关键词: hospital avoidance;    occupational therapy;    environmental assessment;   

DOI  :  10.3390/healthcare10050842

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The Australian state of Tasmania has seen a spike in Emergency Department presentations in recent years, particularly among the elderly. A novel extended scope occupational therapy (ESOT) service was implemented by the Tasmanian Health Service, aimed at supporting hospital avoidance. Clients were referred to the ESOT service by other services after being assessed as having a high risk of imminent hospital presentation. Occupational Therapists provided short-term interventions related to falls, mobility, nutrition, and initiated onward referrals to other services. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to evaluate the ESOT service. Quantitative data from routinely collected administrative records and a purpose-built survey of referring clinicians were used alongside qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with clients/carers, to enable the triangulation of data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data collected in interviews were thematically analysed. A total of 104 extended scope interventions were provided to 100 clients. Most clients were able to stay at home. Qualitative data revealed that mobility, support, and facilitating access to support services were factors which added value to the client and carer experience. In conclusion, the ESOT program contributed to potentially avoiding hospital admissions and to improving the quality of life of participating clients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown