Dr Jennifer Jones1,2, Ms Zoe Langford2, Ms Laura Murphy2, Prof Sue Berney1,2, Dr Emily Ramage1, Prof Leonid Churilov1, Dr Kelly Bower1
1The University of Melbourne, Australia, 2Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dr Kelly Bower is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. She has a passion for neurological rehabilitation, falls prevention and exploring the potential of technology to optimise recovery and function. She has over 40 research publications and continues to work as a physiotherapist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Abstract:
Purpose:
This study applied a value-focused thinking (VFT) approach to identify key priorities for optimising the physiotherapy subacute service at Austin Health, Melbourne.
Background:
With growing demand for healthcare services, an ageing population, increasing patient complexity, and impacts of technology, strategies are needed to improve care delivery in the subacute rehabilitation setting. A structured approach that aligns with physiotherapists' values and priorities can provide a strong foundation for optimising services.
Methods:
A VFT approach was used to identify physiotherapists’ fundamental values and desired outcomes, followed by development of strategies to achieve them. Two consensus-based 4-hour workshops were conducted with 21 physiotherapists (19 internal, 2 external). In Workshop 1, participants identified fundamental objectives (i.e., what is important). Workshop 2 focused on developing means objectives (i.e., how to achieve these). Following each workshop, data were digitised and collaboratively analysed. Concept mapping was used to visually organise relationships, and an interpretive description approach to synthesise themes and link means objectives to fundamental objectives.
Results:
Three fundamental objectives emerged: 1) maximise effectiveness (patient outcomes and experience), 2) maximise operational efficiency (of service providers, systems and processes), and 3) maximise workforce sustainability (staff development and wellbeing). Eight means objectives were described and mapped to these fundamental objectives, providing strategies for improving service delivery.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the utility of VFT in identifying priorities for physiotherapy service optimisation in subacute care. The findings offer a structured framework that can inform future workforce initiatives and service improvements, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and workforce sustainability.