Dr Cloe Benz PhD1, Denisha Lee1, Julien Graciet1, Ashlee Baird1, Julie Depiazzi1, Lindsey Rowe1, Dr Andrew Martin1, Dr Andrew Wilson1
1Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
Abstract:
Introduction:
Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) is the main provider of inpatient treatment for young people with respiratory conditions in WA. Given WA's vast area and PCH being the only paediatric hospital, patients and carers may travel over 3,000 km for care, compared to the 2,500 kms between six equivalent hospitals on Australia's eastern coast. The Hospital Anywhere Physiotherapy Initiative (HAPI) is a statewide virtual paediatric respiratory physiotherapy outreach service aiming to provide inpatient-equivalent care at home or local hospitals across WA.
Method:
The HAPI innovation pilot launched in November 2024, offering twice-daily physiotherapy sessions via virtual care or in partnership with local physiotherapists. Medication is administered by local health providers or parents. The three care streams include inpatient admission in the local hospital, post-acute care following an admission at PCH with parent administered antibiotics and a hospital avoidance program aiming to decrease the likelihood of needing an admission.
Results:
Four young people have been admitted in the first four months (at least one admission per care stream). HAPI service has completed six days of care in collaboration with local hospital physiotherapists, and 47 days hospital days substituted at home, saving approximately 5,170kgs of CO2 emissions. The families lived between 164kms – 3,080kms from PCH, with 67 physiotherapy outreach sessions completed virtually by specialist paediatric respiratory physiotherapists.
Conclusion:
Preliminary pilot outcomes are positive with continued development planned in collaboration with patients, families, local clinicians, and respiratory medicine. HAPI supports workforce upskilling, intervention intensity in regional areas and equitable access across WA.