Development and implementation of a multidisciplinary neurological circuit group: analysis of service provision within a community rehabilitation centre (CRC) setting.

Abstract

Background: To meet National Stroke Foundation guidelines and increasing service demands, a NCG was implemented at Cranbourne CRC. Aim(s): To establish a multidisciplinary NCG which clients could attend as an adjunct to their usual care. Method(s): Following a literature review completed in 2016 and after benchmarking with two major Victorian health networks, a multidisciplinary NCG was established and commenced in June 2017. Clients attend as an adjunct to their usual care. The group is staffed by at least one of either Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist, with Allied Health Assistant and Occupational Therapist input as indicated. The NCG runs for 8 weeks. Stations are designed to focus on lower limb strength, upper limb strength, cardiovascular exercise and dynamic balance. Outcome measures include timed up and go test, five times sit to stand test, thirty second sit to stand test, six minute walk and step test. Result(s): 10 clients have been referred to the NCG between June 2017 and January 2018. 6 clients have completed the NCG and there has been improvement across all objective measures. Client feedback provided upon completion has been positive. Conclusion(s): The number of participants has been fewer than expected. A review of eligibility criteria may be warranted should this be contributing to fewer than expected participants. Further investigation regards frequency of therapy for this client group is recommended to determine whether the addition of a NCG helps increase scheduled therapy time. The multidisciplinary NCG is now running across two additional CRCs at Monash Health.