The Physiatrists Role in the Discharge Management Team: One Year Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Analyse the influence of a physiatrist involvement in the discharge management team and the direct reference by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to the national network of integrated continual care.

Material and Methods: Statistical analysis of the data available at an electronic database provided by discharge management team of a hospital for the year of 2017. Comparison with 2016 and between patients referred by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and by other specialties.

Results: In 2017, 678 patients were referred by the discharge management team, fewer 103 than in 2016. Less 5.8% of patients referred were cancelled and more 4.4% died before their admission. The average times between the date of admission, referral and admission were similar with 2016. Since April 2017, the physiatrists were responsible for referring 219 patients of witch 50.2% to Medium Duration and Rehabilitation Unit, 41.6% to Convalescent Unit and 8.2% to Integrated Continuing Care. The general average times between hospitalization, referral and admission were inferior in the cases referred by a physiatrist than other specialities, however if analysed individually the average times for each one of the units were similar. Of the patients referred by a physiatrist, 75.8% were admitted and only 14.2% were cancelled and 7.3% died. In other hand, 29.3% of the patients referred by the other specialities were cancelled, 27.1% died and only 39.3% were admitted.

Conclusion: The physiatrist participation is essential in the clinical characterization and evaluation of rehabilitation potential and rehabilitation modalities needed, allowing a better referral process and optimization of the existing resources.