Development of a Physiotherapy led spinal orthosis fitting model of care in country WA
Jane Benson1 1WA Country Health Service, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
Abstract
In Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) Spinal Trauma team have state-wide clinical governance for patients presenting to Hospital with a spinal fracture. RPH review imaging and provide advice on transfer or local management, including prescription of spinal orthoses. In the Perth metropolitan area spinal orthoses are fitted by Orthotists. However, outside of the Perth metropolitan area access to Orthotist services is limited resulting in patient transfers for orthoses fitting. A WA Country Health Service (WACHS) wide approach to Physiotherapy led spinal orthoses fitting was developed to allow for management of country patients closer to home.
WACHS sites were surveyed to determine suitability for a Physiotherapy led spinal orthosis fitting model of care, taking into consideration Physiotherapy, Medical, Nursing and Imaging requirements. A process was developed with the Fiona Stanley Hospital Rehabilitation Technology Unit to allow for timely telehealth support for country Physiotherapists to assist with fittings where needed. A competency document was developed to highlight and monitor learning needs for the advanced scope of clinical practice required. Training in orthoses fitting was provided in person or via Telehealth. Guidelines outlining the process were developed to allow sites to establish local procedures.
Over the last six months 24 spinal orthoses have been fitted across WACHS sites, 3 required Orthotist support via Telehealth. All patients were managed locally with none requiring transfer to Perth. This presentation will outline implementation processes, challenges and limitations of the Physiotherapy led spinal orthoses model along with outcomes, implications and future plans to enhance the service.
Biography
Jane is the WA Country Health Service Physiotherapy Coordinator. She has a varied Physiotherapy background and is now based in Geraldton WA. Jane is passionate about supporting allied health clinicians to provide equitable services for patients in country areas.