I have looked into this issue fairly extensively. The literature is somewhat
lacking when asking the specific question of the benefits of 6 or 7 day a week
PT. However, If there is not daily PT for lower extremity ortho patients and
there is a delay in starting physical therapy it appears to negatively impact
our patients. To draw logical conclusions from the two studies below I think we
need to be treating, at least our lower extremity ortho, patients on a daily
basis. To often I think we feel this population is not high on the priority
list. However, when one looks at the morbidity and mortality 2 years out it
becomes apparent how much of an impact, the hip fracture for example, has on
the elderly. Although you length of stay may not change, the functional outcome
of your patients will and quite possibly their overall health as well.
I would suggest the following two references. Guccione, AA et al, Regaining
functional independence in the acute care setting following hip fracture.
Physical Therapy 76(8): 818-826, 1996 and Roach, KE et al The relationship
between duration of physical therapy services in the acute care setting and
change in functional status in patients with lower extremity orthopedic
problems.
Douglas M. White, PT, OCS
Lyndal and Steve Barkle wrote:
> Dear colleagues
>
> Can anyone suggest to me any good research relating to the advantages and
> disadvantages of a 6 or 7 day service in a rehabilitation setting and
> particularly with the elderly.
> The service I work in is considering this in order to decrease length of
> stay and improve discharge outcome. The service caters to the over 65's and
> includes neuro rehab as well as orthopaedic and medical rehab.
>
> Any evidence either way would be greatly appreciated
>
> thanks for your help
>
> Lyndal
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