Physiotherapy management of patients hospitalised with a stroke across Monash Health: Clinical audit.

Abstract

Patients admitted with, or suspected of, a stroke may be admitted to any acute Monash Health hospital, including Monash Medical Centre, Casey Hospital, Dandenong Hospital and Moorabbin Hospital. Patients are commonly admitted under the bed cards of stroke, neurology, neurosurgery and general medicine. Some patients may be treated in the Emergency Department and discharged directly home. At Monash Health, patients with a stroke are typically referred to physiotherapy to facilitate early mobilisation within 48 hours and establish rehabilitation needs (per stroke guidelines), optimising physical function and quality of life. Due to the varied hospital sites and admission bed cards, it's possible that variation in physiotherapy practice exists. This warrants exploration to ensure timely, consistent, evidence-based care.