Rehabilitation study aims to improve care outcomes

Griffith University researchers are looking for people to take part in a study to improve the rehabilitation outcomes of those with chronic health conditions.

“In chronic health conditions, rehabilitation can involve a long, multistage journey through fragmented pathways and supported by a range of healthcare professions,’’ said Associate Professor Katrina Campbell from the School of Medicine.

“These means measuring the outcomes of treatment can be inconsistent across settings and impact upon value-based payment models such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“In our study we want to capture patient-relevant data that informs and advances value-based care across care settings and through a range of healthcare professionals providing that care.”

The researchers are looking for adults 18 years of age or over who have completed at least one course of rehabilitation in the following subacute or specialist rehabilitation settings, during the past 12 months:

  • Subacute: Stroke; major trauma/burns; amputation; geriatrics.
  • Specialist rehabilitation services: Acquired brain injury, progressive neurological conditions, spinal cord injury.
  • Post-acute: Deconditioning post-acute illness; community-based programs for chronic lung and cardiac disease (cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure rehabilitation), pain, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Participants will be asked to take part in an interview over the phone about their experiences of rehabilitation that will take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

“The results of the study will inform improvements in health care services to be more patient-centred in the way treatment outcomes are reported and used,’’ Associate Professor Campbell said.

To register for the study email: [email protected]