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  4. Outcomes following intensive day rehabilitation for young people in Western Australia

Outcomes following intensive day rehabilitation for young people in Western Australia

Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.3233/PRM-220102 · Published: January 1, 2024

ParticipationPediatricsRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how well a special day program works for young people in Western Australia who have disabilities because of illnesses or injuries. The program, called “iRehab,” helps them improve their ability to do everyday activities. The study found that after going to iRehab, the young people were better at doing things like taking care of themselves, moving around, and reaching goals they set with their therapists. These improvements lasted for at least six months after they finished the program. This shows that intensive day rehabilitation can be a good way to help young people with disabilities improve their lives, without having to stay in the hospital.

Study Duration
August 11, 2011, and December 31, 2018
Participants
586 iRehab admissions
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Young people in the iRehab program achieved significant improvements in occupational performance, independence, and goal attainment.
  • 2
    Improvements were measured in all diagnostic subgroups (Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Disorders, and Other) and were maintained six months after discharge.
  • 3
    Functional Mobility, Personal Care, Play/School Leisure, and Socialization were the four most commonly identified domains for rehabilitation goals.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the goals and outcomes of young people in Western Australia who attended a specialist intensive day rehabilitation programme (“iRehab”) at Perth Children’s Hospital. A diverse population of young people who experienced disability achieved significant improvements in occupational performance, independence, and goal attainment after accessing intensive day rehabilitation. Improvements were measured in all diagnostic subgroups and were maintained six months after discharge.

Practical Implications

Service Delivery

Intensive rehabilitation can be effectively delivered in a day rehabilitation setting, offering an alternative to inpatient models.

Goal Setting

Rehabilitation goals should consider multiple potential priorities for each individual, including those not addressed by a medical model of disability.

Public Health

Reporting rehabilitation outcomes for children who experience disability is a matter of public health importance to help guide future service development.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study lacks a control group, making it difficult to definitively attribute improvements solely to iRehab.
  • 2
    Retrospective data analysis may lead to under-reporting of individual data points and to biases.
  • 3
    The measures used in iRehab do not capture quality of life or family functioning.

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